Perth to watch trials of low emission zones

City is home to one of the most polluted streets in Scotland

Perth should watch trials of low emission zones closely, a city centre councillor has said.

Andrew Parrott made his comments after it was revealed the city’s Atholl Street is among the most polluted in Scotland.

However, he warned against focusing solely on the busy thoroughfare and said pollution monitoring should take place over a wider area before a decision is made. He also said the pollution issue could potentially resolve itself as automotive technology progresses.

Dundee is one of four cities which would become a low emission zone (LEZ) by 2020 under Scottish Government plans.

Mr Parrott said: “I am well aware of the concerns in Perth regarding traffic pollution.

“I believe these concerns focus on Atholl Street because that is where I understand measurements are taken but I suspect there is a wider problem.

“I welcome the Scottish Government’s intent to trial low emission zones in Scotland’s bigger cities and I believe Perth and Kinross Council must watch any trials or experiments with interest.

“If measures taken in other bigger cities are effective then attention should certainly be given to such a scheme in Perth.

“Too sharp a focus on just Atholl Street should be avoided though and there would need to be careful consideration of exactly what areas and streets might be included in any LEZ.

“We must be cautious too with developments in vehicle technology, particularly the more widespread use of electric vehicles.

“We must not use up time on dealing with a problem that is resolving itself through use of new technologies.”

Perth and Kinross Council did not respond to a request for comment.

Figures released by Friends of the Earth at the weekend showed nearly a third of Scotland’s most polluted streets are in Tayside.

The data led to a call to penalise the majority of diesel motorists and others for entering Perth.

LEZs impose strict vehicle emissions limits and punish those whose cars do not have the cleanest engines. The RAC has said that covers most diesel vehicles.

Picture: PA. A congestion charge sign in London. The measure has led to a drop in traffic volume.