[SGP News] LACK OF ACTION ON URBAN AIR QUALITY SLAMMED BY MSP
From: greencomms@scottish.parliament.uk GREEN MSP MEDIA RELEASE For immediate release 13 September 2012 LACK OF ACTION ON URBAN AIR QUALITY SLAMMED BY MSP Responding to the latest air quality statistics for Scotland, a Green MSP has criticised the slow pace and delaying tactics of both the UK and Scottish Governments in reducing pollution in our cities. (1) While the statistics show positive downward trends at a national level, high concentrations of unhealthy emissions remain in highly populated urban areas. The UK Government lobbied successfullly for a five year delay in meeting EU targets on air quality, although Aberdeen was not granted an extension. A report last year to Edinburgh Council revealed that concentrations of nitrogen oxide at nearly 70% of monitoring locations throughout key areas were in breach of Air Quality Standards during 2010. (2) Alison Johnstone MSP said: "Air quality in our cities remains a huge health problem but there's a culture of delay and inaction by decision-makers that needs to end. Reducing car traffic on city streets is at the heart of the solution but we'll only achieve that by providing attractive routes for cycling and walking. "I'd like to see a much greater sense of urgency from Councils and the Government and some bold, fresh air policies to improve the lives of many thousands of people, including many that suffer from asthma." Notes 1. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2012/09/air-pollutants13092012 2. The Edinburgh Council report is available here: http://bit.ly/RTKz99 Jason Rose Head of Media Scottish Green MSPs The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP 0131 348 6360 07500 792995 @greenmsps _______________________________________________ SGP News mailing list. See http://lists.scottishgreens.org.uk/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/news for information and list options. List owned and maintained by the Scottish Green Party. Queries and problems: news-owner@lists.scottishgreens.org.uk list-unsubscribe: news-request@lists.scottishgreens.org.uk?subject=unsubscribe _______________________________________________