AIR pollution figures in Newport and Chepstow continue to exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines - “wreaking havoc” on people’s health - figures show.

The WHO found that 56 per cent of high income countries’ cities exceeded their air quality guidelines, including Caerleon’s High Street.

Earlier this week, Newport council ran a study there. It is one its Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA).

The authority has admitted the poor air quality is registered there because of the type and volume of traffic moving along it, a lack of other routes for drivers and the narrow street which traps in emissions.

A temporary traffic light trial was operated in the area over a couple of days this week, between High Street and Goldcroft Common, with the aim of allowing traffic to pass freely and reducing pollution.

The WHO director for public health, environmental and social determinants of health Maria Neria said: “Urban air pollution continues to rise at an alarming rate, wreaking havoc on human health. At the same time, awareness is rising and more cities are monitoring their air quality. When air quality improves, global respiratory and cardiovascular-related illnesses decrease.”

Pollution was also registered on traffic hotspot Hardwick Hill in Chepstow – but a bypass, a popular remedy with some residents, is unlikely to get the go ahead by the Welsh Government because of cost.

From October 2013 until January 2014 the Welsh Government paid for a consultant to run five local newspaper adverts to measure what people felt could be done over congestion and air quality in Chepstow, to the tune of £19,000. It received only 30 responses.

Remedies to further traffic problems are being sought by developers who want permission to build up to 600 houses on the National Shipyard No 1 along the River Wye, as the Argus reported earlier this week.

Another 110-home estate already has the go ahead over the river in Sedbury.