The coronavirus lockdown cut toxic exhaust fumes in Scotland’s towns and cities by a third in 2020 – but the reduction only lasted three months. An analysis of new official figures reveals that for the first time no street breached the annual average safety limits for air pollution, which came into force in 2010. But the seemingly dramatic improvement was only because polluting traffic was radically reduced during the first lockdown in April, May and June last year. Campaigners warned that the respite was unlikely to have brought many long term health benefits because traffic levels returned to normal for the rest of the year. They have urged the Scottish Government and councils to “seize the moment” and rethink how we travel.
The Ferret 17th Jan 2021 read more »