High levels of dangerous toxins have been found in the air in a Wanstead street.

Cambridge Park, close to the busy A12 and M11 link road, is the fourth most polluted road in Redbridge, according to data released by Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

Levels of 4.51 particles of nitrogen dioxide and 0.11 particles of benzene per kilometre were recorded there, creating air pollution linked with strokes, heart and respiratory diseases, and cancer.

And keen cyclist Tom Ali, who manages Biketrax in Cambridge Park, said he is not surprised by the findings.

He said: "Our bikes outside are just covered in pollution after two days and the shop’s full of dust as well.

"When you’re behind a bus you’re aware of all the fumes, and then you think that’s collecting in your lungs too."

And he believes more must be done to improve safety for cyclists and encourage greener modes of transport.

The 30-year-old added: "The pavements are enormous but wardens wait outside our shop to fine people cycling really slowly up to it.

"The only bit of pavement you can ride on is a four foot long cycle path outside Cafe Belgique.
"Safer roads would lead to more people becoming more confident about cycling. But some people would be more comfortable on pavements."

He supports the idea of adopting 20mph zones in all residential roads, a project underway in neighbouring Waltham Forest, and argued for more cycle routes along pavements.

Rose Losenthal, 36, of adjacent Spratt Hall Road, said she is worried about the effect of the pollution on her loved ones.

The mother-of-two said: "It’s horrible here because a lot of the fumes get blown into your gardens and homes, you do worry for your family’s health.

"With the M11 link road there as well there’s so many cars, I think people need to rethink their journeys, especially when they’re short."

A report commissioned by Boris Johnson recently proposed new tunnels being created on major routes to cut pollution and improve the environment.