Campaigning Liberal Democrat Councillor, David Harrison, has been pressing for action to help improve the air quality in the town.

An area that includes Junction Road has been designated as an "Air Quality Management Area". The New Forest District Council has been forced into monitoring the area under tough new Environmental laws. They will also be required to take action to help improve the air quality once the period of monitoring has been completed.

The particular problem with Junction Road in Totton is that the train gates are closed for an average of 20 minutes every hour, causing long lines of traffic to build up.

At a meeting of Highway experts in Lyndhurst, Councillor Harrison pressed for signs to be displayed both sides of the train gates that would encourage motorists to switch off engines whilst waiting.

He referred to the high levels of dangerous pollution levels already recorded in the area and the concern expressed by local residents that the continuing problem may lead to serious health problems.

Officers agreed to put up the signs even though there is no effective means of enforcing motorists to switch off engines.

Councillor Harrison says "The signs may go some way to help the problem, although I am sure that further measures will be needed. Every motorist must be aware that they are polluting the air and I sincerely hope that they will act responsibly and switch off when they find themselves in a queue of traffic in this particularly sensitive area".