Dozens of air quality sensors are to be installed on key roads across the Liverpool city region in a bid to cut congestion and protect communities from harmful emissions.
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said the sensors will be located on major routes in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral to give local authorities access to real time updates on air quality on key roads for the first time.
The technology will also be linked to urban traffic control systems and signals that can be used to manage and divert traffic when pollution reaches elevated levels.
Siemens’ Yunex Traffic division, working with partner EarthSense, has been selected to supply, install and maintain the sensors following a competitive tendering process.
Funding for the project is being delivered through the region’s Transforming Cities Fund.
The devices will be fitted to traffic lights on 37 important corridors by spring 2022.
Damage to environment
Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Air pollution has a really damaging effect on the environment and on people’s health. This new technology will allow us to monitor air quality along congested routes in real time and enable local councils to reduce congestion.
“Too many journeys across our region are currently taken by car. I’m working to build a modern London-style transport network that will give people a sustainable alternative to the car. It will make using public transport to get around our region cheap, reliable and quick.”
Image from iStock, Emfoto776
