Rural and Environment

Minister for Environment, Biodiversity and Land Reform Mairi McAllan said:

“Improving air quality and in turn the health of our people and planet is an urgent priority for this government and we’re taking action across the board to deliver this.

“We’re continuing work to deliver Scotland’s Low Emission Zones which will provide real benefits for thousands of people in Scotland’s cities – in busy areas, they will reduce nitrogen oxides emissions by as much as three-quarters. That’s a significant step forward for the wellbeing of our communities and environment.

“We will also soon publish our updated air quality strategy, setting out how Scotland can achieve the best air quality in Europe. To make that happen, we need more people to make the switch from cars to active travel and public transport, in line with easing of Covid restrictions. That’s why we’ve committed to reducing motor vehicle kilometres by 20% by 2030. That is backed by new funding of over £500 million over five years for active travel infrastructure, access to bikes and behaviour change schemes.  We are also investing £500 million in funding for bus priority infrastructure to tackle the negative impacts of congestion on bus services, providing a positive alternative to the car.”