DRIVERS from Winsford and Middlewich are being urged to make the roads a healthier place and seek alternative forms of transport.

The cry comes from Cheshire County Council's TravelWise campaign in support of National Asthma Week, which began on Monday.

It wants drivers who contribute unnecessarily to the congestion on Cheshire's roads to consider the related effect this may be having on the health of family and friends.

County council environment committee chairman David Lloyd-Griffiths said: "Respiratory diseases can be aggravated by exposure to exhaust emissions and are one of a number of serious ailments being linked to increasing traffic.

"Growing levels of asthma are of particular concern because they are reaching epidemic proportions in children. Poor air quality cannot help but aggravate the situation - especially for asthma sufferers.

"Even though cars are becoming more environmentally friendly the number of cars on the road is growing and catalytic converters are at their least effective on journeys under five miles."

The Royal Commission on Environment Pollution reports that by far the largest growing source of air pollution is road transport and that pollutants from vehicles are the prime cause of poor air quality.

TravelWise is urging people to support National Asthma Week and try to make a long-term commitment to reduced car use.

"Drivers do not need to give up their cars completely," added Cty Clr Lloyd-Griffiths. "Changing their routine just a little, say by walking to the local shops or getting the bus into town, can make all the difference."

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