New system collects real-time pollution data

PIONEERING technology is heading to city streets in a bid to tackle Birmingham’s air pollution.

The city will become one of the first in the UK to receive realtime air-quality data via BT ‘InLink’ hubs.

The system is a collaboration between BT and University of Birmingham scientists.

Data will be collected every minute from ‘Internet of Things (IoT)’ sensors which can send data via the hubs. It is then available for analysis by researchers led by the University of Birmingham. Professor William Bloss, of the University of Birmingham, who leads the project, said: “There is a pressing need for more detailed measurements across cities such as Birmingham to deliver clean air science.

“It’s important for us to understand the levels of air pollution in the city as it can have a huge impact.

“We are exploring use of the new BT sensors alongside a number of initiatives we already have in place to measure air pollution and improve air quality.”

InLinkUK is a digital hub that replaces traditional phone boxes offering calls, phone charging and Wi-Fi. Air pollution in the wider West Midlands affects around 2.8 million people, reducing life expectancy by up to six months and costing the economy up to £860 million a year, according to recent reports.

Nearly 500 deaths in a single year in the city are attributed to raised levels of air pollution.

Figures from Public Health England suggest one in 18 deaths of people over 30 in Birmingham (5.6 per cent) in 2017 may be attributable to fine particulate air pollution from vehciles and industry.

Neil Scoresby, general manager of InLinkUK at BT, said: “By collecting air quality data at multiple points and more often, it is possible to gain a much better understanding of air pollution in real time via the BT data hub.

“This is a great example of how BT is working with communities in cities like Birmingham to explore how the IoT capability of the InLinks can support a range of smart city initiatives.”

Birmingham, along with Bradford, are the first cities to use the air quality monitoring. Other cities are also set to benefit over the coming months.