MAKING Southampton more pedestrian and cycle-friendly could help reduce air pollution in the city.

The scale of the problem was laid bare in a report to the city council's ruling cabinet at the end of last year.

It said more than six per cent of all deaths in the city were down to bad air.

Southampton is already the third most densely populated city in England and is set to grow, increasing the likelihood of pollution getting even worse.

Forecasts suggest that 42,000 new homes and 472,000m² of extra employment space will be needed by 2036.

The report said the number of journeys made in Southampton each morning was expected to increase by ten per cent.

Like other cities Southampton already has high levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution in areas with the most congested roads.

Clean Air England says action is needed to reduce the number of people suffering from chest infections, heart disease, and lung cancer.