THE true extent of pollution at the Air Balloon roundabout is unknown because it is not considered a major road, the Standard can reveal.

A 2011 report found harmful Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) levels exceeded national air quality standards. But other pollutants have never been measured at the A417.

Cotswold District Council’s head of public protection Kate Bishop said national guidance only required levels to be taken on “major roads”, which do not include single carriageways, despite the road’s 30,000 daily vehicle movements.

But she said air pollution would be reduced when the Government fulfilled its promise to improve tthe road.

Local residents say the pollution has caused respiratory illness because they are inhaling the same “black smut” that their homes are covered in.

via Pollution blackspot never fully tested (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard).