Tackling air pollution in Byres Road

In the last week, there has been extensive coverage on the problem of air pollution in Glasgow. This seems to have been prompted by the reporting of 300 deaths annually linked to poor air quality. 

Byres Road is an air quality management zone due to the hazardous level of air pollution and there is a requirement for such zones to have their air quality monitored. Unfortunately, the monitor for PM10 particles has been broken for the last seven months. 

So far, a replacement monitor has not been forthcoming. Residents are very concerned about the lack of monitoring and therefore, the lack of information available about any daily levels of air pollution putting health at risk. Hopefully, this situation will be resolved in the next few weeks.

Residents at the location for the monitor.

Various solutions are needed to reduce air pollution. Glasgow City Council has an air quality action plan which details activities taking place. More needs to be done to cut back road traffic and promote cycling or walking or public transport as an alternative to transport by car. 

At the moment, a City Centre Transport Strategy is out for consultation and actions to tackle air pollution concerns can be highlighted in responses.

Update on 19th May 2014: A new unit was installed on Friday 9th May. The equipment which monitors the particulate pollution was turned on, on Tuesday 13th May 2014.

Useful Link:

Consultation on City Centre Transport Strategy until 31st May 2014- 

http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/consultations