Scottish Government urged to fund air pollution measures

The Scottish Government has been urged to provide sufficient funding to tackle air pollution in Fife.

The call from Scottish Greens environment and climate change spokesman Mark Ruskell MSP follows the announcement of £200 million from the UK Government to tackle nitrous oxide emissions from the roadside.

Mr Ruskell said Scottish environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham had refused to confirm whether the Scottish Government would spend its share of the money to tackle air pollution.

He claimed Scotland would be due around £20m under Barnett consequentials and asked the cabinet secretary to confirm that every penny would be spent.

Ms Cunningham said she was not going to comment on Barnett consequentials.

Fife has two of Scotland’s 38 Air Quality Management Areas – Appin Crescent, Dunfermline, and Bonnygate, Cupar.

Mr Ruskell said: “The First Minister has outlined a number of measure in her programme for government to help tackle poor air quality, including the introduction of low emission zones in Scotland’s four biggest cities. This is a welcome move.

“There are 38 air pollution hotspots in Scotland, however, including two in Fife.

“People are being forced to breathe in toxic air on a daily basis and research shows approximately 2,500 people are dying each year as a result in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government needs to move quicker to implement solutions.”

Mr Ruskell said it was vital that the government provided the money needed by Fife Council to tackle the issue.