Air quality monitors have been set up in the heart of the Par-la-Ville roundabout to learn more about pollution levels caused by vehicles.

The devices, set up by Belco, will be in place until September 19 to determine the impact of vehicular emissions on air pollution.

By working out the impact of motor vehicles on air quality, Belco hopes to better know how much impact their own operations has on the environment.

A Belco spokesperson said that the energy provider has three permanent air quality monitors at its headquarters to measure its emissions, but those monitors also catch emissions from road traffic and cruise ships which could distort the results.

"Data from the temporary station and Belco's permanent stations will be analysed to learn the levels of emissions that can be attributed to vehicles and to Belco," the spokesperson said.

"While not required by Bermuda environmental regulation, Belco will report its findings to the Ministry of the Environment, along with required quarterly reports.

"The Reports are available to the public from the Ministry," the spokesperson said.

Belco will also be communicating with the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), which operates air quality monitors on East Broadway.

The spokesperson said that Belco hopes the timing of the measurement will allow data to be collected regarding traffic both before and after students return to class.

"Belco is committed to conducting its activities in Bermuda in a manner that is respectful of the natural environment, and which demonstrates a high standard of environmental responsibility."

While Belco has said that it works to keep its emissions as low as possible, those who live in the area have in the past complained about the air quality.

Bermuda is currently ranked 171st out of 212 countries in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, but per capita, Bermudians are the tenth highest contributors of CO2 emissions per head of population.