Increasing pollution is set to see one of Perthshire’s most popular visitor destinations designated an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).
In June, Crieff was identified as Scotland’s latest air pollution hotspot, joining parts of Perth in gaining the unwelcome recognition.
A consultation on the boundaries of the AQMA is under way, with members of the public and businesses all urged to get involved.
Crieff is different from any other small town in Perth and Kinross in that it has a trunk road running right through its centre.
For years the picturesque community has suffered from traffic jams, poor air quality and difficulty in parking as a consequence of the presence of the A85.
Over the years, air quality in Crieff has been monitored by Perth and Kinross Council’s environmental health team.
Recent studies have found that levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter in the air along sections of East and West High Street are above national standards.
Extensive exposure to the emissions can be harmful to people with existing breathing or heart conditions and can cause respiratory problems.
It has long been the wish of local people for the problem of traffic on the High Street to be addressed, with the issue forming one of the key elements of a locally-produced action plan created by the Crieff Community Trust.
The AQMA boundary proposed by the council would cover parts of the A85 trunk road, along West High Street, High Street and East High Street and up to Comrie Street.
Once this section of Crieff is designated an AQMA, work will begin on an Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP), which seeks to introduce measures with the intention of improving air quality.
The plan will be the subject of a separate consultation, which should take place in 2014.
Environment convener Alan Grant said: “There are around three weeks to go before the closing date of the consultation on Friday November 29.
“We are keen to hear from local residents and businesses in Crieff who would like to give us their views on the proposed Air Quality Management Area boundaries, as well as any other comments regarding air quality.
“In general, air quality is good in Perth and Kinross but we have to respond to any issues arising like this and address them appropriately.”
The council has produced a consultation document outlining the proposed boundaries of the AQMA and summarising the local situation in Crieff, while a more in-depth, detailed assessment report is also available. Both documents are online at www.pkcairquality.org.uk/reports.php.
Comments on the consultation can be sent to James Dixon, regulatory services manager, the Environment Service, Perth and Kinross Council, Pullar House 35 Kinnoull Street, Perth PH1 5GD, or by email to JJDixon@pkc.gov.uk.
Perth and Kinross already has the dubious distinction of laying claim to some of the country’s worst air pollution zones.
The centre of Perth has been designated as an AQMA since 2006, with the worst affected areas including traffic bottlenecks, such as the junction of Atholl Street/Melville Street/North Methven Street and at Bridgend.