A study has revealed five hotspots in Watford and surrounding areas which are suffering from high levels of air pollution.

Research by environmental campaigners Friends of the Earth analysed council reports on nitrogen dioxide in the air.

The audit found around five areas in and around the town where the average level of nitrogen dioxide exceeded 40 micrograms per cubic metre of air in 2018, the latest year for which data is available.

The average must be below 40 to meet government air quality targets, the limit deemed safe by the World Health Organisation.

According to Friends of the Earth, road traffic is the leading cause of nitrogen dioxide pollution, which can inflame the lining of the lungs and reduce immunity to infections such as bronchitis. Nationally, 1,360 sites failed to meet the 40 micrograms target in 2018.

According to a data map created by the group, one of the worst locations in Watford was Chalk Hill as the area measured 42 micrograms back in 2018.

Other areas which measured at 40 micrograms or exceeded that figure are:

Farraline Road - 42

Chandlers Cross - 42

Watford Road, Kings Langley - 40.8

Watford Road, Croxley Green - 40