A SCOTTISH council has launched refreshed plans to reduce levels of pollution from vehicles and improve air quality.
Glasgow City Council have announced an update on their Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) as they set out how they will minimise emissions from road traffic over the next five years.
Vehicle emissions are the main source of the harmful pollutant nitrogen dioxide, which the City's council has committed to reducing.
Short and long-term exposure to air pollution has been linked to a wide range of diseases, including asthma and respiratory infections, with evidence of links to other conditions including type 2 diabetes and dementia.
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The plan prioritises the city centre, as despite air pollution generally improving across Glasgow, the levels haven't changed in the heart of the city.
The continuation of rolling out the Low Emission Zones (LEZ) is also listed as the top priority for the council as the grace period for non-compliant vehicles ends in June and phase two will begin.
Councillor Angus Millar, city convener for climate and transport, has said the revised plan has also prioritised air quality in key areas like schools, hospitals, and care homes.
She said: “Whilst Glasgow’s air quality has undoubtedly improved in recent times, we remain determined to deliver more breathable air to benefit the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.
“Our refreshed Air Quality Action Plan focuses on minimising emissions from road traffic as well as reducing air pollution from fossil-fuelled heating systems.
“Key priorities include a review of air quality monitoring around schools, hospitals, and care homes, and we’ve also committed to exploring options that can improve the effectiveness of vehicle idling enforcement.
“We’ve also broadened the range of wider, air quality actions in the final version of the Plan following public consultation earlier this year.”
The plan also details support in expanding the “active travel network” to encourage more people to walk and cycle around the city as well as supporting the city’s fleet of public transport.
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The Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) was also outlined in the update as being important to the city's goals as they continue to plan a heat network, with heat pumps, and updating fabrics used in existing homes to help with heating efficiency.
Glasgow’s AQAP, which was approved by the City Administration Committee, will now be submitted to the Scottish Government.
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