An action plan is needed to tackle the level of toxic fumes from vehicles in Truro after the extent of the problem was highlighted by air tests.

Cornwall Council carries out air monitoring across the county and results have shown Truro suffers "excessive levels of traffic related nitrogen dioxide (NO2)".

Air pollution causes around 29,000 early deaths a year in the UK and is linked to heart and respiratory diseases including asthma.

The council is proposing that Truro becomes an 'Air Quality Management Area', and is inviting suggestions from Truro residents and businesses about this proposal, and to get their ideas on how air quality in the area can be improved.

This designation will highlight Truro as an area for improvement in air quality, and an action plan will list measures to improve it.

Written comments can be made up until 13 April 2015. The Council will also be holding an informal drop in session at Truro Leisure Centre on 18 March 2015 between 5pm and 8pm.

Once the consultation closes, all comments will be considered and the declarations made (the official step to creating the AQMA).

There are five other AQMAs named across Cornwall since 2005 - St Austell, Gunnislake, Tideford, Bodmin and Camborne-Pool-Redruth.

Councillor Geoff Brown, Portfolio Holder for Communities said: “The declaration of this new Air Quality Management Area is an important positive step towards improving the quality of the air in our county, and well-being and sustainability for our residents and visitors.”

To comment on the plans contact Cornwall Council on communityandenvironmentalprotection@cornwall.gov.uk, telephone 0300 1234 212, visit www.cornwall.gov.uk/airquality or pick up a leaflet from a local One Stop Shop, Truro City Council, Truro Central Library, or Truro Leisure Centre. The consultation closes on April 13, 2015