Increasing traffic levels are causing pollution to rise

As usual our experts strain at a gnat and swallow a camel. Stop at any busy junction and wait for up to five minutes for the lights to change.

During this period waiting traffic is pumping unburnt fuel into the atmosphere.

The problem is not the individual vehicle but the enormous volume of traffic on the roads which is set to steadily increase as we move further into the 21st century.

Road space is at a premium and consequently travel costs must move in line.

When the schools are off it is noted that there is a noticeable fall in traffic.

Perhaps an alternative to personal transport could be found.

In my area the volume of traffic is such that the effect on heath is serious.

The trouble is that we act only when the problem becomes obvious and the damage has been done.

Also the enormous volume of air traffic into George Best Airport is increasing both noise and air pollution.

Has this been tested?

Similarly look any day over the Belfast Lough and you will see large cargo vessels pumping black smoke into the atmosphere.

Transport development is not a happy prospect but in the interests of health action must be taken by government at the earliest opportunity.

John Cullen, Belfast BT5