Pollution-absorbing green walls could be the key to tackling Dundee’s poor air quality, it has been claimed.
The moss-covered walls, which have been introduced in cities across the world, reportedly match the air-filtering effect of hundreds of trees.
Dundee contains some of Scotland’s most polluted streets with the Seagate, containing the city’s bus station, and Lochee Road regularly in the top 5.
The CityTree, designed by German startup Green City Solutions and costing £20,000 each, incorporate moss and plants specially selected for their pollution absorption qualities.
According to Glasgow City Council, units currently in place there have reportedly failed to “significantly improve” air quality and are more highly regarded for their “visual and awareness-raising impact”.
But Councillor Fraser Macpherson, whose West End ward contains part of Lochee Road, has urged Dundee City Council to consider the new units.
“It is vital there is a proactive approach to tackling the air quality issue,” he said.
“I have raised this on numerous occasions with the council in the past and we need to see a situation where no Dundee streets have unacceptable air quality.
“A significant number of my own constituents in the West End Ward live in the tenement flats on the south side of Lochee Road near to the junction where nitrogen dioxide are unacceptably high.
“It is therefore important that the council has a clear strategy for improving air quality here.”
A recent report by Dundee City Council revealed further improvements in air quality in the city in 2017, including reductions in concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.
Road transport is believed to be the largest contributor to the problem in Dundee.
This has influenced a number of the measures being implemented with the city’s investment in electric taxis and electric vehicle charging hubs leading the way in the UK.
Mr Macpherson added: “I have pressed Dundee City Council to promptly progress the introduction of low emission zones to properly tackle air quality worries in the city and also detailed work tackling the specific issues at particular streets with air quality issues, like Lochee Road, is vital.
“The “City Tree” concept could further assist this process.
“Actions speak louder than words and we do need to see momentum to achieve a proper and lasting solution.
“Residents deserve to breathe clean air in every street in Dundee.”
A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “We will always look at new technology and consider how it can help us improve air quality in the city.”
