Dundee has some of the dirtiest streets in Scotland, according to a new report by Friends of the Earth.
The Seagate, Whitehall Street and Lochee Road are among the top 10 most polluted streets in the country.
Perth’s Atholl Street is also considered among the dirtiest in Scotland, after Friends of the Earth analysed the average level of poisonous nitrogen dioxide.
Despite still remaining in the top 10, the average level of the noxious gas has decreased on the Seagate and Lochee Road.
Andrew Llanwarne, Dundee resident and coordinator of Friends of the Earth Tayside, said that more needs to be done to improve the city’s air quality.
He said: “Although there are some improvements in the figures, it is disappointing to see that progress is still too slow in tackling Dundee’s air pollution.
“These streets in Dundee have been appearing on the list of Scotland’s most polluted streets for several years now.
“Despite the council’s efforts to tackle the problem, every day people are suffering the effects of breathing in a mix of toxic chemicals.
“Whether you travel into the city by public transport, car, bike or on foot, we are all affected, particularly those with breathing problems. Although apparently traffic levels have fallen slightly in Dundee, streets are still congested at peak times.
“A more radical approach is needed to reduce rush-hour traffic levels. Bus services are generally good, but there are still no park-and-ride facilities for commuters, and more could be done to encourage car sharing and cycling.
“Walking and cycling also have valuable health benefits, provided the air is clean.”
Emilia Hanna, air pollution campaigner for Friends of the Earth Scotland, said the Scottish Government needs to take action on the issue.
She said: “Yet again, Scotland’s streets are shown to have dangerous levels of toxic pollution which are breaking legal limits that were due to be met in 2010. Pollution levels in our urban areas are showing little sign of improvement, with some key streets even more polluted than in 2013.
“Air pollution is responsible for more than 2,000 deaths in Scotland each year and costs the NHS up to £2 billion annually. The time has come for our polluted air to be treated as the public health crisis it really is.
“Although today’s air pollution is mostly invisible, its impact on our health is crystal clear. Breathing in polluted air increases your chances of having a heart attack, a stroke, or developing cancer. Children are also particularly vulnerable, with exposure to air pollution restricting lung development, leading to long-term health problems.”
Meadowside in Dundee is also among the 15 dirtiest streets in Scotland.