TECHNOLOGY will be used to measure the pollution hot spots in Ludlow and south Shropshire.

The move comes amongst growing pressure to deal with the problems caused by cars and vans that burn diesel and petrol in built up areas.

At one time people were encouraged to buy vehicles with diesel engines but the establishment view has changed.

The Government has said that it wants to see vehicles that burn fossil fuels removed by 2040 and replaced by electric vehicles that are better for the environment.

Philip Dunn MP has welcomed a recent announcement of a pilot project to improve air quality in Shropshire.

This will fund a project designed to testing low-cost Zephyr monitors and development of an air pollution map.

Shropshire Council will be provided with £53,300 funding to help develop options to tackle this important public health issue and improve the quality of air across the county, as part of a nationwide push to ensure we leave the planet in a better place than we found it.

The government is investing £3 million in 28 innovative projects across the country, with local authorities undertaking bespoke projects relevant to their local community.

These projects will help deliver actions set out in the Government’s Clean Air Strategy earlier this year.

This was described by the World Health Organisation as ‘an example for the rest of the world to follow.’

“Rural areas like Shropshire might appear less prone to issues of air pollution,” said Mr Dunne, who is Member of Parliament for Ludlow.

But the reality is there are air quality challenges in rural areas as well as urban, and it is important we monitor air quality levels for the health of the population.

“I am pleased the government are helping Shropshire Council analyse air quality, so we can improve the environment for future generations.”