As someone clever has pointed out the Stockport powers-that-be say:-

‘we are moving traffic from the urban areas to the countryside where no one
lives’.

The Air Quality Directive would actually prevent this happening because it measures
pollution at the source whereever the public has access. It is also protecting
drivers and passengers on the road itself. Pollution peaks during rush hour so
you may live ‘in the country’ but still be exposed to high pollution during your
commute.