Air Quality Figures Unacceptable

Click on the picture from Friends of the Earth (Scotland)
to read about their research into poor air quality

New data published by Friends of the Earth (Scotland) shows that air pollution increased across Dundee in 2021 after the historic and unprecedented lows of traffic-free lockdown in 2020. 

Friends of the Earth Scotland analysed official air pollution data for 2021, looking at two toxic pollutants which are primarily produced by transport. Many streets across the city had higher levels of traffic pollution last year, with Lochee Road and Seagate among the worst in the country. Seagate had 28.483 µg/m3 of nitrogen dioxide - diesel pollution - averaged across 2020. The average for 2021 was 30.136. Lochee Road remained high at 31.8.

I am appalled to see that air quality has declined again in Dundee.

These figures are hugely disappointing.  In terms of air quality, the new normal appears to be the old normal.  I will be looking for action from Dundee City Council and others to improve air quality particularly on the Lochee Road, but I will also be looking for the proposed Low Emission Zone in the city centre to make a significant difference to air quality in that area.

The Low Emission Zone is important but the proposals for Dundee cover a relatively small area in the city centre.  I recognise that this should have a knock-on effect throughout the city but the council must do all that it can to improve air quality for the whole of Dundee.  I have been clear that action is needed on the Lochee Road to ensure that air quality improves.  The Low Emission Zone cannot be the only show in town.  Residents on the Lochee Road need to know that action is being taken.

Poor air quality impacts on the health and quality of life of far too many people in the city of Dundee.  This is a pressing public health issue, and it needs a concerted effort from all levels of government and the NHS to address it.

We need to find ways to promote walking, wheeling, and cycling that are effective and also create a public transport system that encourages people to use the bus rather than their private car.  This is a challenge for everyone in the city.

The Scottish Government accepts that poor air quality impacts on the more vulnerable members of our society, for example the very young and the elderly.  The Scottish Government described air quality as 'an important health inequalities issue' in a report published in July 2021.  If that is the case it requires action, and I will be asking the Scottish Government what it is doing to prevent health inequalities in Dundee.

Friends of the Earth say that air pollution kills 2,500 people in Scotland each year and impacts on the health of many others this statistic demands the attention of policymakers.

We are living in climate emergency and also a public health crisis caused by poor air quality, we need to see action.  I will be contacting Dundee City Council officers to find out about what they plan to do to improve air quality.  I will be writing to Scottish Government asking them what they intend to do about this.

These poor air quality statistics are unacceptable.  We need to be certain that actions are being taken to clean up air quality in Dundee.