After air pollution levels spiked to a three-year high across much of central and north-east Scotland, there were calls for public transport to be made free until air quality improves, the Scotsman reported.
Analysts at environmental consultancy Ricardo-AEA, which compiles data from Scottish air quality testing sites, confirmed that the concentration of dangerous particulates in the air had reached its worst level since August 2012. A weather front bringing in dirty air from western Europe contributed to the ‘pollution episode,’ according to Ricardo-AEA environmental scientist Dr Stuart Sneddon.
Friends of the Earth Scotland claimed car exhaust was the biggest contributor to smog levels in Scottish cities and called on the Scottish Government and local authorities to follow the example of authorities in France, where public transport fares were suspended to reduce emissions.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Data shows that significant reductions in air pollutants have been achieved since 1990 and further decreases are predicted in the future.
“Our low emission strategy, currently out for consultation, proposes further action to reduce air pollution; enhancing the quality of life for communities across Scotland, with a focus on progress in Scottish towns and cities.”
