Diverting buses away from a key route has spurred residents to raise their concerns about increased traffic levels and pollution in their previously quieter road.

Labour councillor Gary Wilkinson raised the issue after “a large number of residents” shared their concerns with him about buses and other vehicles diverted along Upper North Street and Montpelier Terrace.

The diversion is in place during the revamp of Western Road which is expected to take up to two years and involves resurfacing the road and pavements, creating a “central strip” and more crossings.

At a Brighton and Hove City Council meeting yesterday evening, Cllr Wilkinson asked: “What specific monitoring of traffic levels has occurred on these roads to date in respect to the scheme and, if so, at which locations?

“Is there any indication to date that congestion is occurring in any part of the city as a result of the scheme?

“Is there any monitoring occurring regarding the impact of the diversion of buses and other heavy vehicles on the houses on these roads?

“Is air quality monitoring specific to the scheme taking place in Montpelier Terrace and Upper North Street and, if so, how often will that data be reviewed in respect of safety levels?

“Please specify any roads on which this information is held and how residents can access such information.”

Two Green councillors, Steve Davis and Elaine Hills, the joint chairs of the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said that they were sorry that people were inconvenienced but the work along Western Road made the situation “unavoidable”.

They said that the decision to divert eastbound buses had not been “taken easily” and various options had been considered.

On monitoring, they said: “There is no specific requirement to do this for the diversion route. However, officers have installed equipment to monitor traffic volumes, speed and nitrogen dioxide.

“This is in response to concerns raised by some residents prior to the diversion coming in with the purpose being to monitor compliance.

“Two speed monitoring devices have been installed and these are located in Montpelier Terrace and Upper North Street, with one for each direction.

“Additional nitrogen dioxide diffusion tubes have been located in Montpelier Road, Upper North Street and at the junction with Regent Hill.

“These don’t give us live readings but results will be reported in the annual status reports on air quality, scheduled for July.

“Finally on your point about congestion, I am pleased to say that there is no evidence to date that the scheme is causing additional congestion issues.

“Indeed, initial data from bus operators indicates they have not been affected by delays as a result of the diversion.

“I would also note that no general traffic has been diverted as other vehicles can only use Western Road in the opposite direction, which has been kept open.

“I realise the work will mean some disruption for a while but this scheme will have long-term benefits for our residents, businesses and local economy for years to come.”

A petition started in December by retired doctor Gillian Durham headed Stop half a million buses on Brighton’s Upper North Street and Montpelier Terrace on Change.org currently has 653 signatures.