Bridge across Thames 'could improve air quality in Abingdon'

Building a second bridge across the river Thames in Abingdon could help to reduce air pollution levels in the south England town.

This is the claim of the Vale of White Horse District Council, which unveiled the plans this week and suggested that the second cross-Thames bridge would be one of just two viable ways to reduce air pollution and congestion in the area.

If the plans are to go ahead, construction would take place over a seven-year period and would need to be government-funded, reports the Oxford Mail.

Tim Williams, senior environment officer for the Vale, stated that another bridge would mean that traffic "would not have to go through the town centre. A southern relief road would link up to the bridge, which would also cut traffic going through the town centre".

Abingdon has been declared an Air Quality Management Area, or a place where air pollution is above recommended levels, with the prevalence of nitrogen dioxide being cited as a particular problem.