During the COVID-19 lockdown, the country experienced cleaner air and we saw massive shifts to low pollution behaviour such as walking and cycling.
East Dunbartonshire Council is backing the call from Environmental Protection Scotland this Clean Air Day 2020 to keep up the momentum and is calling on everyone to do their part to keep our air as clean as possible.
During lockdown, many people took up walking and cycling as part of their daily exercise regime and by keeping that habit up and reducing car use, everyone can help make a difference.
Air quality monitoring throughout the last year continued to show a downward trend with pollutant levels at all four monitoring sites - Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch and Milngavie - falling within the Scottish objective levels.
The Council already has a range of measures in place with more in the pipeline to keep driving emissions down in villages and towns across the areas.
Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Council Leader, explained, "To help cut emissions, we need to work together and think about our individual habits and how they affect the bigger picture. Perhaps we could use our cars less, walk to school, use public transport and perhaps keep up the walking and cycling we took up over recent months.
"Improving air quality is a major focus for the Council and it is encouraging that measures are working and we are seeing a reduction in the harmful chemicals which can do so much damage to our health."
Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Council Leader, added, "The Council, as a major local employer, is always looking at ways to do our part. We are working to make sure our vehicles are as green as possible and that they are driven with energy efficiency in mind. As a result of those efforts we are seeing significant reductions in vehicle fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
"We will continue our efforts with a focus on our Air Quality Management Areas and work with schools, local businesses and partners to continue to reduce pollution for everyone's benefit."
These are just some of the Council's recent measures to help improve air quality:
- Thirty four employees who are out and about on local roads in Council vehicles completed FuelGood Driver Training, funded by the Scottish Government’s air quality programme. Their driving style was assessed and they were taught new fuel efficient techniques.
- We are increasing our fleet of Zero Emission Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure as well as removing 13 diesel fueled vehicles. We are approaching the point where 40% of Council cars are powered by fully electric, Zero emission technology.
- Membership of the Eco Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme is continuing to attract new members from local businesses and there are now 133 members with 4329 vehicles (an increase of 342 in a year) helping to improve the vehicle emission standards of freight throughout the area.
- We tested almost 200 vehicles at the roadside
- In March we ran a campaign to raise public awareness of the dangers of engine idling at the school gates and had high visibility patrols at hotspots.
- New mobile air quality monitoring equipment has been placed outside one of our primary schools to record data that will be used as part of a school teaching pack to help pupils learn about air quality.
Environmental Protection Scotland coordinates Clean Air Day in Scotland. Their Policy and Communications Officer, John Bynorth welcomed East Dunbartonshire's participation.
He said, "We welcome East Dunbartonshire Council’s work to encourage people to consider active travel alternatives to private vehicle travel, especially on the school run and on shorter trips to the shops, which are often unnecessary and worsen air pollution and congestion.
"Air pollution has many negative impacts on health and adversely affects groups of people ranging from the youngest to the oldest in society and, in particular those with pre-existing health conditions. People living and working in East Dunbartonshire can support the Council’s efforts by doing their bit to make October 8 the ‘cleanest’ Clean Air Day yet."