One of Scotland’s most popular visitor destinations has been identified as the nation’s latest air pollution hotspot.
Crieff is different from any other small town in Perth and Kinross in that it has a trunk road running right through its centre.
For years, as a consequence of the presence of the A85, the community has suffered from traffic jams, poor air quality and difficulty in parking.
The town boasts vibrant cafs and restaurants, independent retailers, visitor attractions and a flourishing housing market, despite the national malaise.
The traffic issues, coupled with the deterioration of prominent central buildings, has, however, blighted the heart of the town and left campaigners calling for a bypass.
Their demands have now been given new weight by the findings of a Perth and Kinross Council study that reveals the extent to which traffic poses a threat to the health of Crieff.
Air quality monitoring has been carried out in the High Street for a number of years by the concerned local authority.
It is only recently, however, that an assessment of the amount of nitrogen dioxide and particulates in the air has shown a rise above acceptable levels. Extensive exposure to the emissions can be harmful to people with breathing or heart conditions and can cause respiratory problems.
As a result, the council is to move to declare the centre of Crieff an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and it will then move forward with a further air quality assessment and an action plan.
They will set out a raft of measures aimed at improving the area’s air quality.
Perth and Kinross already has the dubious distinction of laying claim to several of the country’s worst air pollution zones.
The centre of Perth has been designated an AQMA since 2006, with the worst affected areas including traffic bottlenecks such as the junction of Atholl Street/Melville Street/North Methven Street, and at Bridgend.
Figures released by Friends of the Earth last year identified Atholl Street as the sixth most polluted street in Scotland.
Environment convener Alan Grant said: “Air quality is important for public health and the environment.
“Because of the largely rural nature of Perth and Kinross, overall we have good air quality in our communities.
“Where our regular monitoring has identified significant issues, we have to act as we have done in Perth city centre and as we propose to do in Crieff, by declaring an Air Quality Management Area.
“The consultation process to set the boundary of the AQMA is the first step in this important process and, therefore, it is vital that we get the views of key stakeholders.”
To that end, the council is to launch a major community consultation on the extent of the Crieff AQMA, with a proposed boundary covering parts of the A85 trunk road, along West High Street, High Street and East High Street and up to Comrie Street.
Community councils, parent councils and Crieff and Upper Strathearn Partnership will be consulted, alongside Transport Scotland, Sepa and other key stakeholders.
Public consultation will take place over the summer.
The air quality revelation did not come as a surprise to Ailsa Campbell, vice-chairwoman of the Crieff Community Trust, which, along with local partners, has been working on a five-year action plan for the town. She said traffic had been a long-term concern for the community and, as a result, featured prominently within the action plan.
“This is a major tourist destination, yet we have a major trunk road running right through the centre of the town.
“It is very congested at times and, with a lot of heavy vehicles passing through coupled with parked cars, there are areas that really are not safe for pedestrians.
“I’m really not surprised to hear that this has had an impact upon air quality. Perhaps this will see both Perth and Kinross Council and the Scottish Government give greater thought to calls for a bypass.
“A lot of people want this to happen.”
The air quality report will be considered by members of the council’s environment committee on Wednesday.