A CROSSROADS - already noted as a serious congestion hotspot - is also a pollution health hazard, according to a report.

Scientific tests carried out by experts at Butcher Corner, in Malton, have found that levels of the dangerous pollutants nitrogen dioxide and particulates, which can cause respiratory problems, would exceed EU safety limits.

The findings of the report, carried out over six months for Ryedale District Council by consultants Netcen, will put pressure on North Yorkshire County Council as the highways authority to review the traffic management systems in Malton and Norton.

In the report, the council's environmental health manager Steven Richmond said concentrations of nitrogen dioxide were likely to exceed the UK annual average objective in 2005 on all four of the roads leading to the junction and the crossroad itself.

Tests showed that while objectives for levels of particulates were likely to be met for this year, the new provisional UK objective levels for particulates in 2010 would be breached.

Mr Richmond said: "Failure to meet the objectives for nitrogen dioxide and particulates in the coming years will require the declaration of an air quality management area.

"Although the specialist Netcen report advises us that there is at present no need to declare an air quality management area, the council cannot afford to be complacent with regard to road traffic pollution.

"The council should continue to work with its various different partners to secure road improvements and various other measures to minimise the traffic in the centre of Malton."

If the crossroads is declared an air quality management area, Ryedale District Council will have to produce an action plan to show various improvements which could be made to air quality.