Improved pollution levels around the Westgate Towers support growing calls to keep the traffic layout as it is.

Air quality readings collected in St Dunstan’s and St Peter’s Place show nitrogen dioxide levels are lower than before, and during, the controversial traffic trial.

Retired analyst and statistician Tom Webster has been examining the figures and says maintaining the current road layout is the best compromise to combat pollution in the area.

Mr Webster, who lives in Lindon Chase, said: “I have no connection with any pressure group or political party. I am just a local resident who has an interest in the scheme and has been studying the data.

“To avoid seasonal effects, I have compared similar periods in all three years. The single highest reading of nitrogen dioxide in Canterbury in the last three years occurred in St Dunstan’s during the trial.”

Mr Webster compared data between April and October of 2011, 2012 and this year.

The figures show nitrogen dioxide levels decreased in St Peter’s Place during the trial, but increased in St Dunstan’s Street.

When the trial ended, pollution rose again in St Peter’s Place, but to a lower level than before the trial, and nitrogen levels went back down in St Dunstan’s, again giving lesser readings than before the trial.

Mr Webster said: “They support my perception as a resident. Also it means that one of the original aims of the scheme, to reduce air pollution, has been met.

“The county council is consulting on five options for the future traffic arrangements but it seems to me that selecting anything other that E, to keep it as it is, would appear to risk making it worse.”

There was an overwhelming vote from local residents at a recent public meeting organised by the Kentish Gazette to keep the existing traffic layout.

The KCC’s exhibition of the options is on show at Canterbury Library until November 11 and the consultation closes on December 9.