The latest assessment of air quality in the city shows that “air pollution continues to decrease in Glasgow, with 95% of the city now meeting all air quality targets”.
But a report to Glasgow City Council’s Executive Committee said that there were still challenges ahead for some spots in the city, with the main culprit being road traffic emissions, particularly from diesel vehicles.
Cllr Alistair Watson, Glasgow City Council’s Executive Member for Sustainability and Transport, said: “Glasgow has set a target of being one of the most sustainable cities in Europe and we take our responsibility to monitor air quality very seriously.
“The issues around air quality are often directed towards local authorities, but really big policy drivers, for example in terms of diesel engines and buses, are in the hands of central or devolved government. Councils need to be given the appropriate powers and resources to address these issues.
“While we have made very good progress, we recognise that there is more to be done. We will continue to work together with our partners to reduce air pollution levels and improve the health of our citizens. We will also work closely with SEPA, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government to help shape the forthcoming Low Emission Strategy which will have a significant impact on the approach local authorities take to air quality in the foreseeable future.”
The revocation of the city wide Air Quality Management Area, which was instigated in 2012 after air pollution levels were exceeded, is described as “a significant step forward for Glasgow.
The positive progress over the last three years has been put down to a number of factors including a bus quality partnership with now sees only lower emission vehicles on particular public transport routes in the city; the introduction of a car club, as well as, schemes to encourage more sustainable transport such as the Eco stars fleet management scheme, the city’s first all-electric bus service and the Mass Automated Cycle Hire scheme.
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