Councillors urged to back plan to improve air quality

COUNCILLORS in Dundee will be asked to support the principle of creating Low Emission Zones (LEZs) intended to improve air quality.

Members of the community safety and public protection committee, who meet on Monday, will also be asked to back the council’s participation in a new LEZ leadership group with the Scottish Government and representatives of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and SEPA.

Reports set to be considered by the committee seek backing for a recommended response to the Transport Scotland consultation on the issue and moves to bring forward introduction of a LEZ in Dundee.

Committee convener Alan Ross said: “There is no question in my mind that more radical solutions are needed to improve the air quality in all of Scotland’s major cities, including Dundee.

“But until we have definitive and specific local data that we don’t expect until next year, it would be premature to give a definitive commitment to introducing a LEZ at this stage. However the principle of such a bold move is sound and I am sure our well-thought-out and positive response to Transport Scotland’s consultation is the way forward.”

The council identified challenging timescales, funding, future proofing and external stakeholder involvement as key to the success of delivering LEZs, pointing out that Dundee is reliant on public transport, particularly buses, which “form a vital element in the city’s accessibility for work, education and commerce”.

Councillor Alan Ross