Queen Street's a real gas

"100% Pure New Zealand" proclaims our long-standing tourism slogan. Only problem is, 100 per cent Pure Queen St could damage your health.

An Auckland Regional Council pollution monitor has found Queen St frequently exceeds proposed air quality targets for nitrogen dioxide.

Mostly emitted by traffic and trapped in Queen St's narrow confines by the tall buildings, nitrogen dioxide can cause lung problems, provoke or worsen asthma and lower resistance to the flu.

This is bad enough for Aucklanders unfortunate to be breathing in at the wrong time of the day - usually morning peak traffic hours - and it is also a danger to tourists, many of whom respond positively to New Zealand's "clean and green" messages and spend time in Queen St.

Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard has reacted with alarm over the effect on tourists because Queen St is a tourism drawcard.

"One in two tourists arriving in New Zealand end up on or near Queen St," he said, adding that it was important that the council's $100 million upgrade of the central business district was also not hurt by a "major fumes problem" .

The ARC report found excess nitrogen dioxide in Queen St on up to 13 days a month and said: "Elevated one-hour average nitrogen dioxide concentrations are regularly recorded at Queen St, often fairly early in the morning when wind speeds are generally low and peak traffic is starting to build up."

The narrow street was flanked by tall buildings creating an "urban canyon" where pollutants are easily trapped.

ARC principal adviser, air, Kevin Mahon said nitrogen dioxide levels exceeded healthy guidelines. Motor vehicles were the largest single contributor - at 83 per cent - of these emissions.

"Young children, the elderly or those who have asthma or impaired lung function who wish to take a precautionary approach should avoid areas where they are likely to be exposed to high levels of air pollutants for significant periods of time," he said.

Cycle Action Auckland chair Bevan Woodward said air pollution could get so bad some cyclists were wearing masks in peak-hour traffic.

"Really, we are the Wild West when it comes to cars, vehicles are so cheap, there is no emission testing, and we can drive aged just 15 and often without third party insurance," he said.

His organisation supports emission testing, improvements to public transport, and encouragement for cycling and walking.

The ARC believes air pollution will be reduced if imported vehicles have to meet a minimum emissions standard or maximum age limit, fleet vehicles are properly maintained and fuel improvements accelerated.

Mr Mahon said these required central Government action as, though 60 per cent of health effects from emissions occurred in Auckland, the "significant" remainder of 40 per cent was distributed throughout the country.

The Ministry for the Environment is aiming for a steady improvement in air quality in polluted areas by 2013. Though it has regulations governing landfill fumes and the burning of tyres, bitumen and oil, there are fewer restrictions on car emissions.

One of those affected by Queen St toxic fumes is courier cyclist Mike West. He goes home with the taste of diesel in his mouth every day. The 28-year-old has taken to wearing a mask to filter out exhaust fumes. The mask, imported from Britain, attracts stares and questions.

"I wear it for awareness," said West. "I want people to know that we are not as clean or green as our image."

West strapped on the mask on after checking pollution figures on the ARC website in February. Cyclists inhale up to six litres of oxygen a minute when pedalling hard, he says, which puts them at more risk.

"It's worse when you're going uphill, stuck behind a bus. Queen St is getting too toxic but nothing is being done."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY