Dundee has called in industry experts in an effort to clean up some of Scotland’s most polluted streets.
Significant steps have already been taken to improve air quality, but dangerous levels of nitrogen dioxide continue to blight traffic-choked parts of the city.
Three top environmental consultants have been hired to take an in-depth look at the problems that could be harming the health of anyone who lives or works on Lochee Road or on the Seagate.
Those streets were again identified by Friends of the Earth as among the 10 most polluted streets in the country.
An assessment of Lochee Road is already under way, and councillors hope consultants SAIS and Bureau Veritas will come forward with possible traffic management solutions and mitigation measures by the end of next month.
Meanwhile, JMP Consultants have been commissioned to undertake a review of the transport issues being experienced by all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, bus users and operators, taxi users and operators, hauliers, cars, residents and business.
This has the aim of identifying the options that would improve traffic movement and reduce air pollution concentrations.
In the case of the Seagate the council has received a draft report which recommends a traffic management solution for the area, and the proposals are being considered.
Dundee West End councillor Fraser Macpherson said: “It is vital there is a proactive approach to tackling the air quality issue.”
The Seagate and Lochee Road had the dubious distinction of placing third and fifth respectively in Friends of the Earth’s list of shame.
Perth’s Atholl Street was fourth.
Carbon emissions fell nearly 15% across Dundee between 2005 and 2013 as a result of action taken by Dundee City Council.
However, the city has been challenged to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030, meaning it must achieve a further reduction of around 25% over the next 15 years.