A BUILD-UP of potentially dangerous nitrogen dioxide from traffic fumes has led to Poole council being ordered to set up its first air quality management area.

Exhaust gas is collecting in a small section of Commercial Road at Ashley Cross, near the junction with Station Road.

The pollutant can cause breathing problems and lead to smog.

Defra has called for the monitoring area to be set up and has also recommended the council declare a second area in Longfleet Road, between the hospital and the George Roundabout.

However, the council is fighting this, disagreeing with the government department’s “interpretation of data”.

The council believes changes made to the junction at Ashley Cross in spring 2009, which now has traffic lights, would alter traffic flows and reduce the levels of the gas.

However, if it does not, then further measures to improve the junction will have to be implemented.

The busy area is packed with shops and restaurants and while the pollutant is a health concern, the council believes the small area involved and relatively low levels are no danger to residents, shoppers or shopkeepers.

Monitoring has revealed the nitrogen dioxide in the air to be 45-50 micrograms per cubic metre, rather than the recommended 40 or less.

Cllr Don Collier, cabinet portfolio holder for the environment, who signed off the order said: “That’s absolutely right and proper – we need to know what the level of pollutants are on the road edge so that people are kept safe when working and moving around the town.

“These are precautionary checks to ensure they don’t get to dangerous levels. There is no need for fear. We want to be sure it doesn’t get to the bad levels.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Phil Eades said: “Residents expect their council to be monitoring the air quality and not to have to be ordered by central government to make improvements.

“I hope the council will take all the steps necessary to improve air quality at Ashley Cross and indeed everywhere else in Poole.”