AIR quality in Bournemouth is within legal limits despite previous data to the contrary, Bournemouth council says.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs last year required the borough to produce a plan to improve air quality as two stretches of the A338 Wessex Way were identified as potentially exceeding the EU's 40 microgram limit for nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

However, the council says this data was based on computer modelling of traffic levels, and now its own research using readings and a new modelling system shows no breach of regulations, findings acccepted by Defra.

Councillor Mike Greene, cabinet member for transport, said: “We keep a very careful eye on air quality and we advised Defra straight away that there were no problem areas in Bournemouth. We are pleased that the detailed assessment carried out by the council proved there are no areas that exceed national guidelines.

"We are constantly looking to improve air quality in Bournemouth for the health of our residents."

The government’s model forecasted that a location near the Cooper Dean roundabout would not see pollution within legal limits before 2019, and a second location near St Paul’s roundabout was forecast not to achieve compliance before 2021.

The council carried used an 'atmospheric dispersion modelling system' developed by Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants to analyse data for air quality and traffic.