Greens seek effective progress on tackling air pollution

Glasgow City Council has published its air quality action plan which outlines a series of measures to ensure that the city reduces levels of pollutants.

Green councillors welcome the new action plan but implementation needs to be speedy to ensure there is effective compliance with European standards. The consequences of inhaling particles of pollution include asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular issues and premature death. Air quality has been below expected targets and there will be a cost to health and mortality across the city.

Cllr Wardrop said, “Within the action plan, there is no clarity on resources available to take forward measures to tackle air pollution. A feasibility study is expected to be undertaken for low emission zones at specific sites associated with the Commonwealth Games but progress is needed long before 2014. There should be rapid implementation of measures over the next 6 months to reduce emissions and to tackle the health impact from a rising number of car journeys. A particular focus is required on traffic problems generated by all new developments in designated air pollution hotspots as these are a serious health concern for the residents."

Cllr Wardrop added, "The Council can go further and include a range of incentives to improve uptake of cycling and walking. It is obvious that further improvements in cycling facilities including the provision of bike parking, more dedicated cycle routes and safe walking routes would make a major difference in reducing air pollution problems affecting people's lives in Glasgow."

Notes for editors:

1. Cllr Martha Wardrop on 07854 817 665

2. Local Air Quality Action Plan - item 2 of Executive Committee on 24 September 2009 at http://www.glasgowcitycouncil.co.uk/committee_minutes/public/extdocviewtop.asp?CID=2481&DATE=24/09/2009&TIME=11:00&DAY=Thursday&PAGE=1