THE speed limit along a road with high levels of recorded nitrogen dioxide is to be reduced in a bid to improve air quality.

The A331 Blackwater Valley Relief Road was identified in 2017 as a road that would continue to exceed EU nitrogen dioxide (NO2) limits until 2023.

But it is hoped that reducing the speed limit from 70mph to 50mph will cut carbon emissions along the stretch of road between the A31 and the M3.

The stretch of the A331 borders both Surrey and Hampshire, and as well as the county councils, the work also includes collaborations of the boroughs of Guildford, Surrey Heath and Rushmoor.

The three borough councils have now submitted a full business case to the Secretary of State – citing Public Health figures which show that 5.6 per cent of deaths in 2016 in Guildford and Surrey Heath were attributable to fine particles.

Both Surrey and Hampshire police forces have “expressed concerns” and do not support the speed reduction, but said they did not object to it. The government is covering the estimated £298,000 cost of the scheme.