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The Courier
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Courier
Has Dundee LEZ really made our air cleaner?
Dundee's low emission zone (LEZ) has been enforced for a year – but is it really making a difference? Within the first three months of it being in action, the council handed out nearly half a million pounds in fines. The measures became a source of frustration for the scores of motorists left out of pocket. But supporters point to the need to keep the most polluting vehicles out of the city centre, to decrease harmful nitrogen dioxide levels branded an 'invisible killer'. On the first anniversary of the scheme, we reveal the difference the LEZ has made to air pollution in Dundee. Dundee has six air quality monitoring stations. Two of them, Whitehall Street and Seagate, fall within the LEZ. Before the zone was officially introduced all the stations were within the Scottish Air Quality Objective. It sets the target for annual mean nitrogen dioxide levels to stay under 40µg/m3. The council's website on the LEZ states that there are still locations where that annual level is not being met. But let's have a look back to before the traffic rules were rolled out. In 2023, the highest annual mean was recorded at the Seagate station- 28.7µg/m3. However, as there are seasonal variations in pollution levels, we calculated the average over 12 month periods between June 1 and May 31 the following year. In the 12 months since the LEZ started to be enforced, there are signs of improvement for the Seagate station. From June 2024 to the end of May, the average nitrogen dioxide level was 25.24µg/m3. Meanwhile in the preceding 12 months it was 28.87. But the Whitehall Street monitoring station did not see a very significant change. In the year before the LEZ, the site started off at a lower average of 20.72 µg/m3. That fell marginally to 20.61 in the year since. Both stations have been within the Scottish target throughout the period we looked at. But what do these changes mean? And do they need to continue coming down? We asked an expert specialising in the impact of air pollution on health. Professor Jill Belch, clinical professor at the University of Dundee's School of Medicine, has researched how air pollution impacts health. Higher air pollution is closely linked to rises in hospital admissions to Ninewells, according to her research alongside colleagues at the Tayside Pollution Research Programme. And that doesn't just include lung problems. For children, who are more vulnerable to air pollution, it can also affect their gut and skin health. 'We do know that for every 10% fall in air pollution over a year, you get a 10% fall in hospital admissions,' Prof Belch said. So a decrease in the average levels at the Seagate station over 12 months is 'extremely encouraging'. She added: 'I think that more and more people are beginning to understand the issues of air pollution. 'The problem is that it is invisible, it is an invisible killer. If it were black smoke billowing out of the back of a car, I think people understand more easily that it is very toxic.' The clinical professor is now looking to study the health benefits of the LEZ by looking at changes in hospital admission data since it was introduced. While our air pollution objectives are 'the best in Europe', new research suggests that they may still be too high. Scotland was the first in the UK to take on World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality objectives set in 2005. But the WHO now suggests that the annual levels should be a quarter of our current goal – just 10µg/m3. And work by Prof Belch and her colleagues backs that up after showing that children are more sensitive to air pollution concentrations above that limit. 'We are within the current levels, but the current levels are still unsafe,' she warned. 'We do need the LEZs to get our levels even lower.' The Scottish target focuses solely on the annual average air pollution. Pollution levels follow seasonal trends and are often higher in the winter when the air is still so an average over a year can be helpful to track changes. But even day-to-day spikes have an impact on people's health. 'You can be in a situation where the annual measurement is okay but you have days when it is really high and that is when people are being admitted to hospital,' Prof Belch explained. Dundee monitoring sites do record occasional daily average pollution levels surpassing 40µg/m3, both before and after the LEZ. In the year since its enforcement, the maximum daily concentration at the Seagate site was 63µg/m3. That is higher than the peak in the preceding 12 months – 60.4µg/m3. However, only 7.8% of the 359 measurements since the enforcement surpassed 40µg/m3. Meanwhile from June 2023 to the end of May 2024, 13.4% of the measurements peaked above 40. But that change is less apparent on Whitehall Street. Again, the maximum daily average since the LEZ enforcement was higher than in 2023/24. Yet it does show signs of decreasing since 2021/22. A total of 4.2% of measurements surpassed 40µg/m3 in the year since the LEZ. Meanwhile, in the preceding year it was just 1.7%. Nevertheless, more daily averages exceeded 40µg/m3 than in 2021/22 and 2022/23 – 5.5% and 4.9% respectively. The Lochee Road station, outside of the LEZ, has seen a consistent decline in NO2 levels since June 2021. The average for 2021/22 reached 31.4µg/m3. It is now below both the Seagate and Meadowside means. But even the stations furthest away from the zone, Broughty Ferry Road and Mains Loan, have been falling during the period. Prof Belch said there 'is a load of benefit' from falls in the levels, but not just for the people living in Dundee. She said: 'It is worthwhile saying that if you are driving a polluting car that isn't allowed in the LEZ, you are sitting in a basin of pollution within your own car. So are your children and so is anyone that is a passenger in that car. 'Really you are building up health problems for yourself and your family.' On a day-to-day level, almost all stations surpass a daily average of 40µg/m3 of nitrogen dioxide on peak day. In fact, the 59µg/m3 daily average from Broughty Ferry Road on January 10 this year marks a new peak in the data going back to 2021. But the Mains Loan site is an exception. It did not exceed the level in a single daily average in the past 12 months. While the daily pollution levels still fluctuate within the Dundee LEZ, they didn't surpass 60µg/m3 like they did in 2021. Broughty Ferry Road actually only saw daily average concentrations spike above 40µg/m3 twice in the past 12 months. That is only 0.57% of the 351 valid measurements. Meanwhile, at the Meadowside one in ten daily averages site surpassed 40µg/m3. That was the highest proportion across Dundee in the past 12 months. But as time goes on we will have a clearer picture of LEZ impact. Data collected so far this year could still see minor modifications as part of a verification process carried out by Scottish Air Quality. A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: 'Enforcement of the Low Emission Zone commenced on 30th May 2024 with ratified air quality data only available for seven months of the scheme so far. 'The initial performance of the Low Emission Zone has shown positive results which comply with NO2 annual mean air quality objectives. We continue to monitor and evaluate this year-on-year data to gather a more representative trend on the performance of the LEZ. 'The Low Emission Zone is one of many measures being taken by the Council to improve air quality in the city with a new Air Quality Action Plan being developed which will outline further measures up until 2029.' Was your Dundee street hit by tragedy in WW2? Our map shows addresses of more than 1,000 victims How Storm Babet brought record-breaking rainfall to Tayside and Fife
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
FMQs: Douglas Ross ejected from chamber by presiding officer
Update: Date: 13:15 BST Title: FMQs: The headlines Content: That brings an end to a lively First Minister's Questions. If you're just joining us here's what you missed: That's all from the live page team today. The editor was Mary McCool. Megan Bonar and Craig Hutchison were the writers. Update: Date: 13:01 BST Title: Swinney commits to securing financial future of Dundee university Content: Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie asks about the lack of progress on financial recovery for the University of Dundee, which is cutting hundreds of jobs due to a £35m deficit. 'This has been agonising for university staff, a cloud has been hanging over them since November,' he said. The first minister says the university is an autonomous institution, and no request from the Scottish Funding Council has been received. Michael Marra MSP also asks about the issue, he asks Swinney to commit to a voluntary severance scheme being put in place by next week. Swinney replies that he cannot commit to that because he would be breaking the law by telling an independent institution how to go about business. He does however give his 'absolute commitment to securing the future of the university of Dundee.' Update: Date: 12:57 BST Title: Swinney says government will consider ecocide bill Content: The legislation would introduce tougher sanctions for people who cause pollution in Scotland Monica Lennon is the next MSP to enter the fray and she asks what the Scottish government is doing to maintain its policy aim of keeping pace with the EU on environmental protection. Swinney replies his government intends to remain aligned with the EU when it is possible to do so. The Labour MSP refers to her Ecocide (Scotland) Bill which contains proposals for a new law which could see the bosses of major polluters jailed for up to 20 years. "This is Scotland's time to act," adds Lennon who asks if the FM agrees with her bill's aims. John Swinney compliments Monica Lennon for her bill and he says the government will consider it and will have further dialogue with the Labour MSP. Update: Date: 12:47 BST Title: What's the background to Findlay's points on net zero? Content: Kevin KeaneBBC Scotland environment correspondent The Climate Change Committee says emissions need to fall by 57% in five years A word on the issue the Tories raised at the beginning of FMQs - climate change. Independent experts have proposed a new set of targets to tackle climate change in Scotland over the next 20 years. Annual targets were abandoned by the Scottish government last year after repeatedly being missed – but ministers retained the pledge to reach net zero by 2045. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) says that to meet that goal, emissions need to fall by an average of 57% over the next five years and by 69% to 2035, when compared with 1990 levels. The Scottish government says it will consider the report's recommendations carefully but is expected to adopt the targets in the coming weeks. The government had set its original climate change targets in 2019 – which included reducing emissions by 75% by 2030. Read more here. Update: Date: 12:45 BST Title: Ross questions neutrality of speaker after ejection Content: Philip SimBBC Scotland political correspondent Football referee Douglas Ross is no stranger to a red card. But he is arguing that he should have been shown a yellow before he was ordered out of the Holyrood chamber today. Mr Ross told BBC Scotland he struggled to accept that the presiding officer was acting neutrally, and that she allowed SNP and Green MSPs to behave in a way that she did not extend to Conservative members. He said he had 'serious questions about the conduct of the presiding officer', and that he would be seeking to speak with Alison Johnstone and her officials about the decision. Update: Date: 12:41 BST Title: Douglas Lumsden told to 'desist' by speaker during SNP question Content: It's a rowdy one today. Douglas Ross' Tory colleague Douglas Lumsden is also given a slap on the wrist for shouting from his seat during a question from the SNP's Christine Grahame. 'Where you trying to attract attention?' the speaker asks as she tells him to desist. Grahame follows up on the play parks issue, saying after the Covid pandemic "when children were isolated for so long", plans for renewals is "an excellent project that liberates them". Swinney says his colleague makes an "incredibly powerful point". Update: Date: 12:39 BST Title: Tory Stephen Kerr 'too excited for words' over play park renewal Content: Scottish Tory MSP Stephen Kerr says the Scottish government has committed £60m to renew every play park in Scotland, but there are reports that less than half of the funding has been spent. The first minister highlights £35m allocated to local government since September 2021. He argues the £60m commitment will be met by his government. "That sounds like another Swinney broken promise to me," retorts Kerr. The chamber becomes raucous again as Kerr argues that the SNP government adopts gimmicks and fails to deliver. "I think Stephen Kerr needs to go to a play park to get rid of some of his excess energy," jokes the first minister to some laughter from his backbenches. "He seems just a little bit too excited for words." Update: Date: 12:36 BST Title: An unusual - but not the first - removal of an MSP Content: Philip SimBBC Scotland political correspondent I think Douglas Ross might be the first MSP to be kicked out of the chamber by Alison Johnstone. But it's not unheard of – his Tory colleague Oliver Mundell was ordered out by Ken Macintosh in 2020 for claiming Nicola Sturgeon had lied to parliament over the Salmond inquiry. Back in 2015, Labour's James Kelly was booted out by Tricia Marwick in a classic row about a point of order which she contended wasn't a point of order relating to the UK Trade Union Bill. Ms Johnstone has a reputation as a fairly mild-mannered presiding officer. But she has clashed quite frequently with Mr Ross in particular in recent weeks, with the former Tory leader always keen to pick away at the government's record – and the chances MSPs have to interrogate it in parliament. Update: Date: 12:35 BST Title: Moment Douglas Ross is told to leave the chamber Content: The former Scottish Conservative leader is asked twice by Alison Johnstone to leave the chamber - without warning - after talking over the first minister. This video can not be played Watch the moment Douglas Ross is excluded from the chamber at FMQs Update: Date: 12:33 BST Title: Swinney 'cherishes' Scotland's natural environment Content: As the appeal remains live he can't comment on the Flamingo Land proposal, replies Swinney, and he adds it is subject to 49 planning conditions. The first minister explains the reporter is required to make his decision on the planning merits of the case. Harvie argues the first minister is not even attempting to acknowledge the anger about this "unnecessary, unwanted, destructive" development The Scottish Greens co-leader asks if Swinney learned nothing from his "mistake" over Trump's golf course development. Swinney insists he values and cherishes the natural environment of Scotland. Update: Date: 12:31 BST Title: Opposition to Flamingo Land raised by Harvie Content: It's now the turn of Patrick Harvie to grill the first minister and he chooses to ask about protest outside parliament today against the Scottish government's intention to approve a resort by Flamingo Land on the shores of Loch Lomond. The Scottish Greens co-leader says the proposals have been opposed by 155,000 people. "It's the most unpopular development in the history of the Scottish planning system," he says. He argues there is still a chance to save Loch Lomond and he calls on the first minister to listen to the objections and recall this decision. Update: Date: 12:28 BST Title: Row on health will continue until election day Content: Philip SimBBC Scotland political correspondent This was a paint-by-numbers standard of the Anas Sarwar vs John Swinney FMQs exchange. Mr Sarwar loves to bring up NHS waiting times because he sees it as a great example of the government's handling of public services. He also frequently has a case study to hand of a patient who feels let down, to confront the first minister with a real voter. Mr Swinney meanwhile rarely misses an opportunity to criticise the record of the UK government, now run by Labour. He managed to link that back to health services by saying that any move to restrict immigration would affect the NHS's ability to attract international workers. To be honest they have this same exchange most weeks, and will continue to right up to polling day next May. Update: Date: 12:28 BST Title: Immigration plans will damage NHS - Swinney Content: Sarwar accuses the first minister of having no plan to fix Scotland's NHS. Swinney responds by saying the government has a plan in place to focus on expanding capacity. "We are working to make sure we have the staff and the resources in place to address this issue," he says. He adds that the UK's government's immigration policy will make tackling waiting times "ever more difficult". Swinney says: "The immigration policies will be damaging to our national health service and we do not want anything to do with them." Update: Date: 12:27 BST Title: Backround: Patients waiting more than two years for specialist appointments Content: Figures released this week showed that the number of patients waiting more than two years for to see an NHS specialist in Scotland has grown in the past year. Public Health Scotland said the waiting list for those referred to an outpatient clinic more than two years ago was at the highest level it had ever recorded, with the number more than tripling to 5,262. Government targets to provide treatment within 12 weeks were also still not being met for thousands of patients, with 24% of waits recorded going on for more than a year, the report found. More on this story here. Update: Date: 12:22 BST Title: Swinney defends government's actions on NHS Content: 'Week after week, John Swinney comes to this chamber and apologies. People don't want to hear sorry, they want treatment,' Sarwar says. He says thousands are waiting over two years for orthopaedic, ENT and neurosurgery treatment. Swinney says the government has made the largest investment in the NHS that has ever been made and by March had created over 100,000 additional appointments. Update: Date: 12:20 BST Title: There is a human cost to waiting times - Sarwar Content: Anas Sarwar is next up - he asks the first minister about new health statistics showing a growing number of people on NHS waiting lists. Sarwar says in total there are 860,925 people are on an NHS waiting list in Scotland, with over 13,000 people waiting over two years. 'There is a human cost', he says as he highlights the case of a woman who has waited over 100 weeks for surgery for an ovarian cyst. The first minister apologies to anyone who is on a waiting list and say the government is committed to tackling 'long waits'. Update: Date: 12:19 BST Title: Swinney accuses the Conservatives of 'cheap political opportunity' Content: Swinney wraps up on Russel Findlay's questioning saying Brexit has caused incalculable damage to agriculture. He says the 2045 target is the Scottish Parliament's, not the SNP's. Swinney accuses the Conservatives of "cheap political opportunity". Update: Date: 12:18 BST Title: Douglas Ross has just become far more memorable than his leader Content: Philip SimBBC Scotland political correspondent Russell Findlay ended up being eclipsed by his predecessor as Tory leader. Douglas Ross has persistently clashed with the presiding officer over recent weeks, and it seemed like Alison Johnstone had zero patience for his heckling today, ordering him out of the chamber without so much as a warning. Mr Findlay had been underlining the lack of a big story this week by leading off on a report published last Wednesday. He picked out various proposals from the climate change committee's report on carbon budgets, describing various things which the government has not committed to as 'utter madness'. But ultimately the government hasn't actually said what it is going to do, so it was hard for him to pin any particular policy on the first minister. And John Swinney seemed determined not to rise to the bait. His only real political barb was one about Brexit - which was what prompted Douglas Ross to blow his top. Ultimately that is going to be a far more memorable moment than anything prompted by Mr Findlay's questions. Update: Date: 12:13 BST Title: Eating a third less meat is 'utter madness' - Findlay Content: Prior to Ross' exit from the chamber, Russell Findlay says the number of cattle would need to fall by two million, around 25%, to achieve climate targets. The Scottish Tory leader says Scots would have to eat one third less meat. "This is utter madness, it's an act of national self-harm." John Swinney hits back reiterating his government will consider the proposals in the report. The Scottish Tory leader continues to look at those proposals, turning to heat pumps saying to meet the target would require 70% of homes to have one. "That proposal is simply not realistic," adds Findlay, who then calls on the first minister to reject it. Swinney insists agriculture is always in his priorities and he highlights the impact of Brexit. This leads to Douglas Ross's ejection. Update: Date: 12:08 BST Title: Former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross asked to leave chamber Content: There is a brief pause in proceedings as former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross is kicked out of the chamber. The speaker asks him to leave the chamber and tells him not to return for the rest of the day after raising his voice over the first minister.
STV News
4 days ago
- Politics
- STV News
Swinney to face FMQs one week before crucial by-election
John Swinney will face questions from opposition leaders at Holyrood on Thursday, one week before the crucial by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Tory leader Russell Findlay will take turns challenging the First Minister about issues facing the nation Backbenchers will then have the chance to challenge Swinney about their concerns. Swinney will be asked for an update about the Scottish Government's latest engagement with Westminster over plans for the winter fuel payment. Lib-Dem MSP Willie Rennie will challenge the First Minister over funding for the University of Dundee. Rennie is planning to ask Swinney why there has been 'no financial agreement between the Scottish Funding Council and the University of Dundee, in light of the alternative financial recovery plan being launched four weeks ago'. Labour MSP Monica Lennon plans to ask Swinney about what the Scottish Government is doing to keep pace with the EU on environmental protections. Meanwhile, Tory MSP Stephen Kerr will ask the First Minister about the Government's £60m commitment five years ago to renew every play park in Scotland. STV News is now on WhatsApp Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
University of Dundee: New degrees to cater to the rising demand of AI professionals
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping various sectors, including business, healthcare, communication, and design. To address the increasing global demand for AI professionals, the University of Dundee has introduced two new postgraduate degrees. Applications are now open for the first intake in September 2025, with a second intake available in January 2026. These innovative courses equip students with the knowledge, skills, and vision necessary to thrive in an AI-driven world. This advanced course provides a comprehensive foundation in AI theory along with practical applications. Students will explore machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and intelligent systems, gaining hands-on experience in developing real-world AI solutions. Ethical and responsible AI is a core focus, helping students understand the societal impacts of AI and its role in decision-making. Designed for those aspiring to lead in AI research or development, this course is taught by experts actively engaged in the field. Software development for MSc in artificial intelligence Targeted at students with little or no prior computing experience, this conversion course serves as a gateway into the tech sector. It combines core programming and software development skills with specialized AI training. Graduates will be prepared to design and develop intelligent systems, ready to meet the demands of one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. This course is ideal for career changers or professionals seeking to reskill in an exciting and impactful field. A hub for research, innovation, and industry collaboration The University of Dundee's Computing department is at the forefront of AI research, addressing real-world challenges in healthcare, smart cities, and more. Students benefit from strong industry connections, access to guest lectures, internship opportunities, and collaborative projects that enhance their learning experiences. A global learning community in Scotland Scotland is renowned for its academic excellence and innovation, making it a top choice for international students. Dundee provides an inclusive and supportive environment with a diverse student body and a vibrant campus life. Students from around the world choose Dundee for its excellent reputation, quality of life, and affordability. The city's blend of cultural attractions and natural beauty creates an inspiring place to live and study. Be among the first to join As AI technology continues to evolve, the demand for professionals who can develop, implement, and lead intelligent technologies is increasing. Whether you're a recent graduate, a professional looking to reskill, or someone seeking a future-proof career, these new MSc courses offer the tools, training, and support necessary for success. Applications are now open for the first intake in September 2025, with a second opportunity to enrol in January 2026.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
University facing staff strikes over hundreds of threatened job cuts
University staff are striking over hundreds of threatened job losses and compulsory redundancies. University and College Union (UCU) members at the University of Dundee (UoD) will begin another five days of strikes starting on Monday 26 May, ending on Friday 30 May. The strikes come in response to the university's decision to cut 700 jobs and are the latest in a string of industrial action at the university, with another 15 days of strikes having taken place in February and March. Initially, following advice from the Scottish Government, the employer announced a reduced figure of 300 job loses via a voluntary redundancy scheme, but the union said on Monday morning the UoD is refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies. The union also says the university is carrying out redundancy consultations in its Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) and the Educational Assistive Technology Team (EduAT) departments. The union said that members were shocked that staff were still facing compulsory redundancy in both the LRCFS and EduAT. UCU added the EduAT team has proved integral in the education of disabled students in the UK and overseas. The union said that Assistive Technology plays a vital role in enabling learners with additional educational needs to achieve their academic goals. A spokesperson for the Dundee UCU branch said: 'The announcement at the end of April that, instead of up to 700 jobs being cut, the University is looking to lose 300 staff via a voluntary severance scheme was welcome. 'However, the threat of compulsory redundancies is still looming over staff once a voluntary severance scheme closes, and there are staff at the university that are currently facing redundancy in the Leverhulme centre and EduAT. 'We call on the employer to abide by the Scottish Government's call to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies, and to commit to making any savings through voluntary methods. 'The employer is pushing ahead with redundancies, and given that jobs are on the line our members felt they had no choice but to embark upon further industrial action. 'That's why members will be taking strike action for five days. UCU wants to work for a sustainable future for the university, for students, staff and the city of Dundee, but our members must take a stand against compulsory redundancies.' Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, called upon the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to step in. She said: 'Some seven months after first announcing that management failures had led to an unforeseen deficit, the fact that staff are still facing an uncertain future with management still unwilling to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies shows the ongoing crisis in the university's leadership and governance. 'The intervention of Scottish Government and the SFC is welcome and essential, but as well as dealing with the immediate crisis at Dundee, we also need to see wholescale revision of governance arrangements at universities to ensure this never happens again.' The Scottish Government said it is working alongside the SFC to develop an alternative route. A spokesperson said: 'Ministers appreciate this remains a deeply anxious time for staff at Dundee University. 'Whilst universities are autonomous institutions, we continue to encourage Dundee's management to protect jobs and engage fully with staff, students and trade unions. 'The Scottish Government has provided £25 million to the SFC to support universities like Dundee facing immediate financial challenges. Work is also continuing with the Scottish Funding Council on the further development of an alternative Financial Recovery Plan. 'It is vital that students are supported at this time and that any potential impact of industrial action is managed carefully to avoid disruption to their studies.' A UoD spokesperson said: 'This action from UCU is extremely disappointing, particularly in the context of recent progress towards a revised recovery plan and the timing of a strike when we are in a critical period of the academic year for our students. 'We believe we have robust contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact of strike action as far as we possibly can, particularly for confirming marks and degree classifications for our students. 'Most marking of exams is complete and we expect Exam Boards to meet and confirm results over the coming weeks.' The Scottish Funding Council were approached for comment.
