Latest news with #AirQualityManagement
Daily Record
21 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Air quality improvements at busy spots in East Kilbride and Rutherglen
Significant changes have been recorded at two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs). Significant improvements have been recorded at two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) in East Kilbride and Rutherglen. Under Scottish Government regulations that require local authorities to act when levels of pollution exceed national guidelines, the Whirlies roundabout was designated in 2008, while Rutherglen Main Street was given the status in 2016. Now, improvements to the efficiency of vehicle engines, along with initiatives led by the council and its partners, have led to both sites recording below-average pollution levels for more than three consecutive years. At the Whirlies, improvements to local public transport and cycling infrastructure, along with new segregated pedestrian space, have boosted active travel options. Meanwhile, in Rutherglen, junction upgrades and improved crossing spaces have improved safety for those using the area on foot, by public transport or by bike. As a result, councillors on the Community and Enterprise committee this week agreed to a proposal that both AQMAs be revoked. Councillor Robert Brown, Chair of the Community and Enterprise Resources committee, has welcomed the results in both target areas. He said: 'In this committee report, we can see the tangible and measurable results of particular initiatives undertaken in Rutherglen Main Street, and at the Whirlies. 'The effort has been a collective one, involving not just the local authority but its partners, and of course, the people of East Kilbride and Rutherglen. 'We all want to see continuing improvements in air quality in our local communities, and on two of our busiest traffic corridors, in particular. 'These improvements help encourage more people to walk, cycle or go by bus and train - active travel is good for us and good for the environment too. 'Today's decision is good news and shows progress, but as a council, we certainly don't see this as 'job done'. 'Ensuring the quality of the air we breathe is a long-term commitment, and we will continue to update and prioritise our comprehensive Air Quality Action Plan now and in the years ahead.' Following a period of statutory consultation, the revocation order is expected to come into effect in October. Detailed information on the levels recorded in each area before and during the AQMAs can be found on our website. You can also watch any of the council meetings live or on playback on the SL committees YouTube channel. A third AQMA in South Lanarkshire - in Lanark town centre - was revoked following approval by the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee in March 2023.
BBC News
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Storrington residents to discuss traffic and 20mph speed limit
Traffic issues in a West Sussex town will be discussed at an open meeting including potentially implementing a 20mph speed "driving like lunatics" and large lorries passing narrow footpaths are among the problems facing the area, Storrington residents are reporting Petitions will now be heard for and against applying the 20mph limit, with both sides agreeing that something has to be for the lower limit say it is "the only practical solution that is affordable" but opponents say the limit would affect the entire town. Claudia Fisher, who represents Storrington and Washington on Horsham District Council, said: "We need to do something to help make sure that Storrington is protected from the sheer volume and speed and type of traffic that comes through." 'We should feel safe' Storrington is one of only two villages in West Sussex to have an Air Quality Management Area, covering the high street area where traffic is particularly traffic issues, residents have raised concerns over air and noise pollution, according to the Local Democracy Reporting McIntyre, 89, says if she wants to have a conversation with visitors, she cannot open her windows due to the traffic noise which starts early in the Loney, vice-chair of Storrington & Sullington Parish Council and chair of the traffic and transport committee, said the parish was working with the county council and police to tackle the traffic said: "As a parish council, we support a 20mph limit where people live, work, play and learn — because we believe our villages should feel safe, welcoming, and walkable for all."Last year a bid to have 20mph speed limits in all residential streets in Hastings and St Leonards-on-Sea failed, and Brighton's plans which were passed in 2012 had been initially rejected on the grounds of the cost of introducing traffic calming measures. The public meeting will be held at Chanctonbury Leisure Centre from 19:00 BST on Friday.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Ground-level ozone at 5-yr high; south, northwest Delhi worst hit
New Delhi: The city experienced its highest ozone levels in five years this summer, according to a study by the Centre for Science and Environment. The eight-hour rolling average of the gas exceeded safe standards for 14.2 hours daily, increasing from 12 hours in previous summers. The analysis revealed that south and northwest Delhi were most affected, showing the broadest geographical spread of ozone exceedance since 2018. The study indicated that ground-level ozone surpassed national safety standards throughout the 92-day summer period from March 1 to May 31, with breaches occurring on 83 days. The established eight-hour standard for O3 is 100 micrograms per cubic metre. "Ground-level ozone pollution remained consistently high across the region, with the maximum concentration exceeding 100 microgram per cubic metre on each of the 92 days between March 1 and May 31, highlighting the persistent and widespread nature of the problem," the study said. "The worst day in terms of spatial spread was April 28, when 32 out of 58 monitoring stations across the region reported ozone levels above the safe limit. The highest regional intensity was recorded on April 13, with the Delhi-NCR average reaching 135." Ozone forms through chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide, which are released by vehicles, power plants and factories. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 34歳以上の男性が今年最高のPCゲームと絶賛！今すぐ無料でダウンロード BuzzDaily Winners ゲームをプレイ Undo These substances react in sunlight to create ground-level ozone. This highly reactive gas poses serious health risks. It can inflame and damage the airways, increase susceptibility to infections and worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. CSE analysed summer trends from 2021 to 2025 (until May 31) using CPCB's official online portal, Central Control Room for Air Quality Management. The findings showed Nehru Nagar breached the safe level on all 92 days, followed by Najafgarh (82 days) and Okhla Phase-II (81 days). Only six locations, Anand Vihar, IHBAS, ITO, Shadipur, Narela and Knowledge Park in Greater Noida, maintained levels below the standard. On several days this summer, therefore, ozone was the lead pollutant instead of particulate matter in the daily air quality index. "Out of 18 days between May 25 and June 11, ozone was the lead pollutant on 12," said Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, CSE. The study also said there was no system to address the ozone problem under the Graded Response Action Plan. "While the policy attention is nearly fully focused on particulate pollution, co-control of toxic gases from vehicles, industry and combustion sources that contribute to ozone formation in the air is neglected," Roychowdhury pointed out, calling for measures to curb ozone.
