AIR pollution is high on the political agenda of many capitals across the world.

For example, over the past few months there have been warnings of very high air pollution in London.

Notices told residents and visitors that in certain areas they were in danger of breathing in toxic fumes. “Alert” notices were displayed at Tube stations, bus stops and on some main roads into the capital.

A think tank has even suggested that diesel vehicles should be banned from the city.

Thank goodness these warnings have not been mirrored in Dorset.

But what is the situation on air quality in the towns and villages of Dorset?

How pure is the air which we breathe as we go about our business?

There is no question that the amount of traffic, especially huge trucks and lorries, is increasing year after year in Dorchester.

And I wonder if walking in the centre of towns could be injurious to one’s health.

Walking is supposed is to be good exercise and also improve one’s health.

But doubt clouds my view on whether one achieves this objective these days as you walk alongside so many vehicles emitting exhaust fumes.

I repeat a suggestion I made some time ago: That we could be informed about the levels of air quality in our streets by the relevant authorities.

They could issue, say, a sixmonthly report in simple English and certainly not in-technical language so that we could all become aware of what we are breathing in as we meander around our towns and villages.

The delivery of such reports could be accompanied each time by a press conference.

RON KIRBY

Dorchester

Want to respond to this letter for publication? Email letters@dorsetecho.co.uk or send them to Have Your Say, Dorset Echo, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XD