'˜London Road will not be solved easily'

Julie Bird, independent city councillor for Fratton, said she was ‘encouraged’ that the report showed the air quality was getting better.

She said: ‘I was quite encouraged by the report and the council is indeed working up a plan to implement measures to tackle air pollution.

‘Of course London Road is a problem and it does not benefit from the sea breeze that more coastal areas of the city get.

‘It will not be easy to solve as the road is a thoroughfare for cars and buses at all times.

‘You could try and change the times for delivery trucks to reduce blockages to improve traffic flow.’

Cllr Bird pointed to a potential increase in electric car usage with car manufacturers turning green as Britain plans to ban all diesel and petrol cars and vans from 2040.

She added: ‘Cars are going more green so that will have an effect on battling air pollution.’