AIR pollution has reached such high levels in some parts of Liverpool that the whole of the city is to be declared a special “management zone”.

Pollution, particularly in hot- spots in the north of Liverpool, is out-stripping government guidelines, it emerged last night.

Now the whole of the city is to be designated an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).

It is feared the harmful pollutants can cause higher risks of respiratory problems such as asthma.

Last night, the ruling Liberal Democrats and the Labour opposition were united in welcoming the measure.

In 2003, the council declared the city centre and the busy Rocket Junction, near the M62, AQMAs.

“While air quality has improved within the two original AQMAs declared in 2003, other parts of the city, particularly in the north, have seen air quality worsen mainly as a result of increased traffic volumes and movements in those areas affected,” a report states.

The council could have set up specific management areas in “hot-spot” areas, but creating a zone to cover the whole of the city was viewed as a better option.