AIR pollution in the South West contributes to an estimated 4.3 per cent of all deaths in the region, according to Public Health England. 

To tackle this problem, the first ever National Clean Air Day is being held today (June 15). 

Public Health England is supporting the action day, as it believes all deaths and the cost to society of air pollution is on-par with those from smoking or obesity. 

People are being urged to leave the car at home and consider finding a new way to work by adding in the benefit of exercise. 

Nick Young, Consultant in Health Protection for Public Health England South West, said: “We all need to do our bit to reduce air pollution across the South West.

"Clean Air Day is a perfect opportunity to consider leaving the car at home when possible and cycling, walking or taking public transport instead.

“We are working closely with councils and other partners to explore options to reduce air pollution – potential strategies include no idling areas outside schools, hospitals and in traffic related air pollution hotspots.  

"We’d also like to see businesses across the region working to schedule deliveries to minimise congestion, encouraging staff to cycle to work and educating their drivers to develop an energy efficient style.“