Changes have been made to the operation of traffic lights in the centre of Perth in a bid to tackle one of Scotland’s worst air pollution hotspots.
The city’s heart has been designated as an Air Quality Management Area since 2006, due to the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulates present.
Worst-affected areas come at traffic bottlenecks, such as the junction of Atholl Street/Melville Street/North Methven Street.
Significant queues build up at the location during peak times and residents have complained of the danger the poor air quality constitutes to their health.
Figures released by Friends of the Earth last year identified Atholl Street is the sixth most-polluted street in Scotland.
It is one of several hotspots in the Fair City, including nearby Barrack Street, Tay Street, the Queen’s Bridge and Bridgend.
In a bid to address the long-standing issues with air quality, Perth and Kinross Council has considered a number of options, including the creation of a transport hub, designed to reduce freight transport coming into the centre of Perth.
The local authority took another step as signal priorities were changed in a bid to keep traffic moving more freely.
It’s hoped that the improved traffic flow which will be monitored by the council will reduce levels of both NO2 and particulates, which are currently significantly above safe levels.
When measured for nitrogen dioxide, experts reported figures of 55.1 microgrammes per cubic metre. The European standard is 40 microgrammes.
Environment convener, Councillor Alan Grant is hopeful that the measures will make a big difference, but stressed that they will not operate in isolation.
“The changes are part of a wider package of measures which we are proposing to introduce in the future to influence NO2 and particulate levels in Perth city centre and improve local air quality,” he said.
“As the traffic lights at the Atholl Street/Melville Street/North Methven Street junction will be operating in a different way than before, we would advise motorists to take particular care and attention at this location from Monday onwards.
“Temporary signs will be put in place to advise that the signal priorities have changed.”