Dundee edges closer to air quality goals

Dundee city council has reported further improvements in air quality in the city across, including reductions in concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.

A report to be considered by councillors on Monday (4 June) provides the results of the ratified air quality monitoring data for the full year 2017 and this shows that ‘significant progress is being made’ in addressing air pollution the council says.

Dundee, Scotland

According to the report, annual and daily air quality objectives for PM10 particulates were met at all monitoring sites throughout the city, whilst the hourly average target for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was also met.

The annual 40 µgm/3 mean objective for NO2 was exceeded at two sites, Lochee Road and the Seagate, but both showed a further improving trend, the council has claimed.

Road transport is thought to be the largest individual contributor to air pollution in the city — a factor that has influenced a number of the measures being implemented to target improvements in Dundee’s air quality.

The city is one of four required to implement a Low Emission Zone by 2020 under the Scottish Government’s Clean Air for Scotland strategy, and investment in charging infrastructure for plug-in vehicles within Dundee has also continued at a rapid pace.

Low emission strategy

Dundee has been named a ‘Go Ultra Low City’ by the government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles.

The council also takes part in the ECO Stars fleet recognition scheme, which supports operators of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), vans, buses and coaches to run their fleets more efficiently.

Community Safety and Public Protection Convener Alan Ross said: “We welcome the further improvements that have been made with air quality and this shows that the measures being implemented by the Council are having a positive effect, however we will continue to make every effort to maintain the good progress made.

“We will also be working with the Scottish Government and partners on the Cleaner Air For Scotland strategy and will continue to engage positively with all of the local vehicle operators within the city to ensure that we meet all of the air quality targets as early as is possible.

“Additionally, we are holding our Clean Air Day on June 21st this year and will be engaging with the public and commercial sector to show how everyone can help improve air quality by using more environmentally friendly and healthier options of travelling and transport.”

The council has said it is also working closely with the main bus operators to ensure that the lowest emission buses operate in air quality sensitive areas.

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Dundee city council