Ruskell urges action on Low Emissions Zones in light of inquiry into air pollution
Mark Ruskell MSP, Environment spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today (28 Feb) urged action on Low Emissions Zones and investment in safer streets in light of the findings of Holyrood's first inquiry into air pollution.
The Environment Committee's report expresses concern about the Scottish Government's "direction of travel, rate of change and action on the ground".
It expresses concerns about the timescales for Low Emissions Zones and questions whether local authorities have the technical and financial resources to ensure they are fully operational by the end of this year.
Mark Ruskell MSP said:
“Air pollution remains a silent killer for thousands of people in Scotland. Unless we can get to grip with dramatically increasing walking and cycling, delivering clean bus services and tackling car growth then we will continue to see a public health crisis.
"Recent government commitments to deliver Low Emission Zones have come late and there is a danger councils will struggle to implement them in time to meet 2020 legal targets unless they are ambitious and include private cars.
"We have to make our urban areas attractive and pollution free zones where walking and cycling comes naturally. That means putting in place the right cycling infrastructure, reducing traffic speed and planning the growth of urban areas to reduce the need to travel.”