Pollution at Charlie Brown’s Roundabout is four times worse than Oxford Street, ‘horrifying’ statistics have revealed.

A survey carried out in December last year showed that black carbon concentration at the roundabout in South Woodford is 33.7 ug/m3 out of 82.7, more than four times the levels in Oxford Street in central London.

The roundabout is a notorious pollution hotspot, but politicians have expressed outrage over the ‘shocking’ figures revealed by Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate Caroline Pidgeon.

Lib Dem Councillor for Roding ward Gwyneth Deakins said: “I was shocked and appalled to find out exactly how much pollution there is.

“I knew it was bad, but when they did it I told them to go back and do it again because I couldn’t believe them.

“What frightens me is that there is a primary school only 150 yards away and hundreds of people living nearby that are being left vulnerable to health risks.”

Cllr Deakins has been campaigning for improved pedestrian safety measures at the roundabout since last year, as it is often used by children and their parents walking to schools such as Oakdale, Beals and Woodbridge.

Lib Dem candidate in the Roding by-election Rich Clare said: “I expected the pollution there to be bad, but this level is truly horrifying.

“Local authorities should be monitoring air quality much more, and encouraging green travel plans and other measures to reduce pollution.”

Cllr Deakins added: “The next Mayor of London has to do something quite drastic about this.

“And there are small things local councils including our own could be doing like planting more greenery to help remedy the situation.”

Redbridge Council has been contacted for comment.