Eleven days of perilous pollution

AIR pollution was dangerously high for 11 days last month, latest figures show.

In a month that saw a record set on the air pollution index with a reading of 161 on December 30, 23 convictions for pollution offences were recorded.

Six were for failing to comply with orders to reduce emissions, five over the creation of construction dust and four for open burning.

Also last month, 4,264 vehicles had their exhaust emissions tested, with 1,950 failing the test.

Pollution peaked towards the end of the month, and passed the 100 mark on 11 days.

When the index tops 100, people with existing heart or respiratory illnesses are advised not to exert themselves and to stay indoors.