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Bid to improve Perth’s air quality has begun

Councillor Lewis Simpson is waved off on his bike.
Councillor Lewis Simpson is waved off on his bike.

Efforts to improve air quality in Perth have begun in earnest.

An initiative has been launched to tackle pollution hotspots in the city centre by reducing congestion. The Perth on the Go campaign has been backed by the Scottish Government.

Figures released by Friends of the Earth revealed that the city’s Atholl Street was the sixth most polluted in Scotland.

When measured for nitrogen dioxide, experts reported figures of 55.1 microgrammes per cubic metre the European standard is 40.

It is one of several hotspots in the Fair City, including nearby Barrack Street, Tay Street, the Queen’s Bridge and Bridgend. Air quality is particularly poor in these areas because they are regularly choked with traffic at peak times.

Perth on the Go will focus initially on the Scone to Bridgend corridor and the campaign team will work with schools and employers to encourage people to think about alternative journey choices.

Environment convener Alan Grant unveiled the details of the scheme, saying: “Perth and Kinross Council, Stagecoach and others are working to provide good quality infrastructure and transport services where they can.

“However, it’s up to everyone who travels in Perth to do their bit.

“Cars can have an important role to play in our transport system and are essential for many people’s journeys, yet too many cars on the roads are affecting the city’s environment and increasing risks to people’s health.

“Perth on the Go shows that there are good alternatives for many journeys and highlights that most drivers could save plenty from their travel costs by choosing them.”

Every household in the area will also be provided with specific information and advice, including details on how much drivers can save by car sharing, using public transport and walking.

The campaign was welcomed by Peter Olsen, chairman of Scone and District Community Council, who said he was “pleased” it would help reduce congestion and had already made him think twice about how he travelled.

He added: “Until a few years ago, I used the car for almost all of my journeys. Since retiring, though, I’ve started to use the bus again and have found it’s a great option for many journeys, particularly for trips to Perth.”

Efforts have already been made to tackle the issue in Perth’s city centre, including the introduction of a trial using state-of-the-art technology.

An air monitoring system was brought in with the aim of preventing traffic build-up and reducing potentially dangerous nitrogen dioxide emissions.

Hailed as the first project of its kind in Scotland, the system can alter the sequence of traffic lights in the area if pollution levels rise, hopefully ensuring that vehicles do not stop for too long with their engines idling.

The launch of Perth on the Go coincided with European Mobility Week, which aims to promote sustainable travel options in order to improve air quality in cities.

Among those backing the campaign is Stagecoach and Andrew Jarvis, managing director for the East Scotland operation, who said they were “delighted” to be involved.

He continued: “We hope that Perth on the Go will encourage those people who haven’t used buses for a while to give them a try.

“We have some of the best vehicles in the UK in terms of low emissions and passenger comfort and we’re committed to providing a network of quality bus routes across the city.”

For further details on the Perth on the Go initiative, go online to www.pkc.gov.uk.