Why these strange devices have appeared on Coventry roads

SOME strange looking devices have appeared on metal posts on streets in Coventry - but what are they?

The devices can be seen on metal posts in Northumberland Road and Meriden Street.

The truth is they are nothing sinister and in the long term they could even benefit the people of Coventry.

The devices are sensors to measure air purity and more besides.

Installed by an organisation called Airly they can measure air quality, as well as the current temperature, humidity, pressure and wind data.

The benefit for people in Coventry is that the new Airly sensors mean they can access real-time air quality data in the city via the Airly app or on its website.

Their installation in Coventry has been made possible through a partnership with an organisation called Connected Kerb.

Behind the installation there is a serious purpose - to achieve a world with better air quality.

Airly says its goal is to “make air quality visible and understandable to all, because knowledge and education are the first steps towards successfully tackling air quality problems”.

Airly wants to increase people’s awareness about the issue of air quality.

It believes doing so can motivate people to do more about the problem of pollution - particularly in towns and cities.

As such it is committed to providing independent and impartial data by building the biggest air quality monitoring network in the world.

Speaking about the installation of the sensors in Coventry, Marcin Gnat, communication and PR manager at Airly, said: “We are very happy that the new Airly sensors Northumberland Road and Meriden Street will serve the community of Coventry.

“The devices measure the current levels of PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 in the air, plus deliver current temperature, humidity, pressure and wind data.

“The real-time air quality data is available 24-7 through the Airly app and online map.”