Air Quality Action Planning –

Perth & Kinross

Tom J Brydone

Environmental Health Manager

April 18, 2023

INTRODUCTION

Scottish Government Policy Guidance 2003 - Further Assessment Air Quality Action Plan

Scottish Government expects - LAs to consider impact of greenhouse gas emissions LAs to consider wider environmental, economic and

social consequences

Scottish Government wants – Climate Change report Strategic Environmental Assessment

April 18, 2023

Timescales from declaration of AQMA:

Further Assessment - 12 months

Draft Action Plan – 18 months

Realistic or Not?

April 18, 2023

Factors:

Volume of work Multi – disciplinary steering group Technical considerations Traffic data Staff Finance Other priorities

Perth & Kinross declared an AQMA in May 2006 – Hope to start consultation on draft AQAP in June 2008 Hope to finalise AQAP by December 2008

April 18, 2023

What have we done so far?

Produced in draft: a further assessment report (126 pages) two climate change reports (32 pages for AQAP) a strategic environmental assessment report (94 pages) a draft air quality action plan report (48 pages) a special consultation document (24 pages) a structured consultation response form (1 sheet) Developed the consultation process

April 18, 2023

AQAP Consultation document example:

Option Package 2 Move the key sources of pollution away from exposed individuals

2.1 Build local bypassAir pollution reduction- HighCost-effectiveness- 5This would involve construction of a local bypass and new river crossing to reduce traffic and levels of pollution in the city centre. This option is strongly supported by the steering group due to the predicted significant air pollution benefits in the city, positive social impacts, and reduced travel times that could stimulate the local economy. This option would be extremely expensive and would require long term implementation, although the benefits it provides mean that it could nevertheless prove cost-effective. The environmental assessment has indicated that there could be adverse impacts on sensitive ecosystems in the River Tay. There could also be far reaching impacts on soil, water and air quality, production of large amounts of waste, and impacts on sites of historical and cultural importance. This option could reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by reducing the number of stationary vehicles in the city.

April 18, 2023

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April 18, 2023

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NO2 Reduction

PM10 Reduction

Cost-effectiveness

Steering group support

Option

Package 1: Move the receptors so that there is no more relevant exposure

None Small Medium High

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None Small Medium High

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1-5 6-10 11-15

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Unsupported Neutral support Supported Strongly supported

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1.1 Move receptors away from AQMA None None 15 Unsupported

1.2 Consider air quality in planning decisions Small Small 9 Supported

1.3 Relocate major employers to reduce exposure and traffic movements High Medium 12 Unsupported

1.4 Use trees as pollutant sinks Small Small 12 Neutral

Package 2: Move the key sources of pollution away from exposed individuals

2.1 Build local bypass High Medium 5 Strongly supported

2.2 Control access for freight High Medium 5 Strongly supported

2.3 Control access for cars High Medium 5 Unsupported

2.4 Control access for buses High Medium 5 Unsupported

2.5 Additional regional and Transport Scotland policies High Medium 5 Supported

2.6 Intervention in traffic management, public transport systems and planning policy Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

Package 3 Optimise traffic flow to reduce congestion in the city centre

3.1 Change traffic light timing Medium Small 8 Neutral

3.2 City Centre Traffic Management Review Small/Medium Small/Medium 10 Neutral

3.3 Improve signage on routing and parking Small Small 12 Supported

3.4 Speed controls Medium Small 8 Neutral

Package 4 Increase the use of cleaner vehicles

4.1 Green procurement Medium Small 4 Strongly supported

4.2 Bus quality partnerships Medium Small 6 Strongly supported

4.3 Low Emission Zone Medium Small 10 Neutral

4.4 Freight quality partnerships High Medium 3 Supported

4.5 Public Carriage Office policy Small Small 12 Strongly supported

4.6 Differentiate parking charges Small Small 9 Strongly supported

April 18, 2023

Still to do before consultation:

Finalise reports Decide on document design and print Organise website pages Invite stakeholders to meetings Organise venue for stakeholder meetings Write committee report on consultation Organise press releases re consultation