Children's lungs are healthier since the controversial Oxford Transport Strategy was introduced, according to researchers.

Preliminary studies by specialists from the British Thoracic Society showed traffic restrictions and pedestrian-only areas in the city could be linked to health improvements in pupils from seven Oxford schools.

Oxfordshire public health experts, though, are cautious about the results, claiming there could be other contributing factors.

The lung function of 1,386 children aged six to ten was measured between 1998 and 2000 -- before and after the introduction of OTS in 1999.

They were visited two or three times a year during different seasons for five-day periods. Questionnaires were also sent to parents.

Researchers found children were able to breathe more easily and had less wheezing symptoms since the OTS was implemented.

Dr Paul Cullinan, of the British Thoracic Society, said: "This study is among the first of its kind.

"The early signs are encouraging. It seems that reducing the burden of traffic running through a city centre can bring real health benefits to local people."

Oxford is renowned for having many asthma sufferers and high pollution levels, which Oxfordshire County Council's transport planners have aimed to cut.

Children were monitored because their lungs are more sensitive to polluntants.

David Young, the county council's director of environmental services, said: "The OTS is, after all, about more than just transport policy -- it is looking for a healthier, more vibrant city.

"There is lots of other independent research going on, on the back of the county council's pioneering transport strategy for Oxford, and these conclusions are absolutely in line with findings so far.

"It is certainly good news for Oxford's children, as well as shoppers and visitors to the city."

Mike Woodin, Green city councillor for Carfax ward, said: "There are a number of points in the city where pollution has increased, including Station Junction, but on the whole, the figures show a decrease. Air quality was one of the main campaigning issues when the OTS was being proposed."

But Oxfordshire's director of public health, Dr Dick Mayon-White, said the study could not clearly determine why children's lung health had improved.

He said: "There are other factors that must be taken into account, such as better domestic conditions, better ventilation in houses, and less pollutants in traffic exhaust fumes.

"Any improvement in lung function is good news. We should, however, all be cautious about linking this with one particular factor."

The study could form the basis of a model to be used in other European cities. The children tested were from: Larkrise School in Boundary Brook Road, off Iffley Road; New Hinksey CofE School in Vicarage Road; SS Mary and John CofE First School in Hertford Street, east Oxford; St Barnabas CofE First School, Hart Street, Jericho; St Aloysius School, Woodstock Road, north Oxford; East Oxford First School in Union Street; and St Ebbe's School in Whitehouse Road, south Oxford.

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