Tests are being done in Canterbury over the next two weeks to see how emissions from cars, lorries and buses are affecting air quality.

Vehicle emissions surveys will take place for two days each at five key sites in the city - Military Road, Kingsmead Road, Sturry Road, Thanington Road and New Dover Road.

These begin today and are set to continue until Friday, May 11.

It is going to be the most detailed study of its kind ever done in Kent and is costing more than £22,000.

The technology measures emissions and also records number plates so the council will be able to see the worst affected areas and also the vehicles that cause the most problem.

The equipment only monitors emssions and the council stresses no fines will be handed out to motorists whose vehicles don't comply with emissions limits.

Once the testing is finished, results will be analysed by the Institue of Transport Studies, which will provide a full report.

Similar testing has already been carried out in Bristol, Yorkshire, Devon and on Tower Bridge in London.

The council's executive member for the environment, Cllr Rosemary Doyle, said: "It is well known that air quality is an issue in Canterbury, as it is in towns and cities up and down the country.

"This project will give us the most comprehensive set of emissions data we have ever had for vehicles using the city's roads, and is an important part of our work ot improve air quality."

She urged motorists to drive normally when they pass the test sites.