Crieff residents have been urged to curb their motoring as part of a renewed effort to reduce the traffic congestion and air pollution that blights the heart of the town.
It was only in 2013 that the picturesque community gained the unwelcome distinction of becoming a national air pollution hotspot, along with parts of Perth.For years, however, it has suffered from traffic jams, poor air quality and parking problems as a result of the A85 trunk road that runs through its heart.
Now new research for the council has found that despite, all that through traffic, most road users during the week are local.
In light of that, a new campaign entitled Crieff on the Go has been launched with a serious agenda.
A spokeswoman for Perth and Kinross Council said: “Cars 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 Crieff’s environment and increasing risks to people’s health.
“The High Street forms part of the main A85 trunk road so there is some through traffic but recent surveys have shown that the majority of traffic on the High Street on a typical weekday is local.
“The campaign will highlight that there are good alternatives for many local journeys around Crieff and will do this by engaging with the community in a range of ways.”
The town has been designated an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) by the local authority, which has considered a number of measures to help improve the environment.
The latest effort will involve steps to reduce car journeys, targeting shoppers and families making school runs in particular.
Beginning this week, pupils from Crieff and St Dominic’s RC primary schools are taking part in classroom workshop sessions to discuss air quality issues and how alternatives to the car for local journeys can help reduce pollution.
Next week, the schools will participate in a Walk to School Week, with both pupils and parents challenged to walk, scoot, cycle or park and stride to school.
Through the autumn, the campaign will distribute information on travel options to all households in Crieff, including a “walking treasure hunt” to encourage people to explore the town centre on foot, with some local businesses providing special offers for people who take part.
The campaign will also offer residents the chance to give their views about the best ways to reduce pollution in the High Street.
The council will be working with the community over the next year to develop a detailed Air Quality Action Plan.
For more information on different journey choices, or to contact the campaign team, visit www.pkc.gov.uk/crieffonthego.