Ashbourne sets new record for Air Pollution

It wasn't just Covid-19 cases that came right back up after lockdown.

Buxton Road upper sample site

Buxton Road lower sample site

One of the NOx measurement tubes on Buxton Road Ashbourne has recorded an all time high value of over 70ugm-3 (unadjusted value). The 'safe limit' is 40ugm-3. Even with the reduction in traffic due to the first lockdown the annual average is looking like it will be close to or exceeding 60ugm-3 and it is at this level that consideration has to be given not just to those who live in the vicinity but also those who simply walk by. An annual average (adjusted) of 60ugm-3 or higher triggers the requirement to measure hourly averages to see if they are exceeding the 200ugm-3 legal limit.

A close shave for local resident Dorsan Baker

It never was very pleasant walking up or down Buxton Road with the HGV wing mirrors right next to your head - It now seems that the air you breathe on that short journey is a very real danger to health.