Buses could be re-routed in an attempt to reduce pollution on one of the city’s busy shopping streets.

Brighton and Hove Buses managing director Martin Harris has agreed to review his vehicles’ routes along St James’s Street in Brighton after an open meeting was held last week.

The meeting at St Mary’s Church in Brighton followed a pollution study which was carried out in the street.

Sam Rouse, of Brighton and Hove City Council’s environmental health and licensing team, carried out the study which found breathing in the gas from engines could lead to heart and lung diseases and that, on average, 2,115 vehicles a day use St James’s Street – 347 of them being buses.

Buses were responsible for 75% of the nitrogen dioxide emitted and now Mr Harris has agreed to consider re-routing some of the eastbound buses via Edward Street.

He will also consider whether all the stops on the street are necessary.

Mr Harris said: “We’ve responded to the concerns and will trial reducing the number of buses out on the street, but we need to make sure our customers continue to get a very good service. It was a good, constructive meeting.”

Mr Harris also said the area required a wider review and would benefit from becoming a low-emission zone like North Street and West Street.

He added: “There are lots of other diesel vehicles also using the street, such as taxis and HGVs.

“We’re happy to play our part but, as time moves on, this will need a more comprehensive review.”

The meeting was organised by Chris Shanks, Conservative council candidate for Queen’s Park Ward, and chaired by Nick Head, of St James’s Street Local Action Group (LAT), which requested the study.

Attendees were mainly supportive of the proposal, but the LAT members – many of whom are traders – were split between those who would like most traffic, especially buses, off the street altogether and others who felt buses were essential.

Mr Shanks said: “I’m delighted we’ve managed to get everyone together to talk about all of this and it’s a good compromise for everyone.

“The main complaint is the pollution and although you can’t please everyone, I thought Martin Harris was very receptive and we’re delighted he has come up with this trial so quickly.”

Is there too much traffic in St James’s Street? Email letters@theargus.co.uk, visit www.theargus.co.uk/ letters or write to us.