Rumours swirled last week after a 'camera' was set up on Market Hill. In fact, the 'camera' was one of the new Air Quality and Traffic Sensors installed by Essex County Council.

An Air Quality Sensor, as well as a Traffic Sensor, were installed on January 22 onto a lighting column on Maldon's Market Hill.

The sensors will be used to measure air quality levels in the area, particularly to monitor levels of nitrogen dioxide emitted from car exhaust pipes. 

Maldon District Council says the sensors have solely been set up on Market Hill, and nowhere else in the district, due to higher-than-average pollution on the hill.

A spokesperson for the council said: "The situation is improving in the area but poor air quality can contribute to respiratory problems and other health conditions.

"Improving air quality helps everyone living, working and walking in the area to breathe cleaner air."

This is a statement repeated by the new Clean Air Route campaign, which asks drivers to voluntarily avoid using Market Hill and instead use the bypass to access the town centre. 

A campaign spokesperson told Nub News that the annual mean nitrogen dioxide level, particularly at the top of the hill, exceeds the national air quality limit. 

The council-supported campaign recently released a video explaining the Clean Air Route, featuring pupils from All Saints CofE Primary School and local businesses.

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