service and people first 2 Contents

Executive Summary 4

1.0 Introduction 5

2.0 The local Air Quality Management Process in North Lanarkshire 6 2.1 Background 6 2.2 Co-location Monitoring 8 2.3 Further Assessment 9

3.0 Policies, Plans and Developments likely to Impact on the Council’s Air Quality Action Plan 15 3.1 Roads and Transportation Policies and Plans 15 3.2 Planning and Development Polices and Plans 17 3.3 Corporate Policies and Plans 18 3.4 Sustainable Development/Climate Change Polices and Plans 19 3.5 Planned Developments in North Lanarkshire Affecting the AQMA’s 20

4.0 Consultation 23 4.1 In-house and stakeholder workshops 23 4.2 Public Consultation 24 4.3 Citizen’s Panel and Resident’s Survey 24 4.4 Results of Consultation Exercises 24

5.0 Action Plan Measures 39 5.1 Council-Wide Action Plan Measures 39 5.1.1 Corporate Action Plan Measures 39 5.1.2 Transport- Related Action Plan Measures 40 5.1.3 Planning Action Plan Measures 42 5.1.4 Public Awareness and Education Action Plan Measures 43 5.1.5 Protective Services Action Plan Measures 43 5.2 Action Plan Measures – Motherwell AQMA 44 5.3 Action Plan Measures – Whifflet, Coatbridge AQMA 45 5.4 Action Plan Measures – Chapelhall AQMA 46 5.5 Action Plan Measures – Harthill AQMA 47

6.0 Evaluation of Action Plan Measures 49

7.0 Monitoring and evaluation of Action Plan 56

Appendix 1: Maps of AQMAs 57 Appendix 2: List of tables 59 Appendix 3: List of figures 60 Appendix 4: Sample questionnaires for the local air quality consultations undertaken in summer 2009 61

3 Executive Summary

The 1995 Environment Act and outcome of our consultations. • reducing emissions from subsequent regulations made there They also aim to integrate, as far as individual vehicles under require North Lanarkshire possible, with existing local and • improving public transport Council to produce an action plan national plans and strategies • improving the road network to address air quality in their area. relating to key issues such as • planning and development This follows on from the declaration transport and development. measures of four Air Quality Management • reducing emissions from other Areas for potential exceedance of The plan sets out 36 actions that sources national objectives in relation to have been identified to reduce • reducing demand for travel and particulate matter (PM10). These levels of PM10 within North promoting alternative modes of areas are: Lanarkshire. The actions are split transport between Council wide measures • educate and inform the public re • Motherwell Town Centre that will directly improve air quality air quality • Whifflet, Coatbridge throughout North Lanarkshire and • Chapelhall, Coatbridge specific measures within each Air The plan also provides an • Harthill Quality which will contribute to the evaluation of the actions detailed management of particulates within and the potential they bring to The Action Plan intends to show that area. These actions aim to addressing Air Quality in North how the Council, in partnership strike an appropriate balance Lanarkshire. Monitoring and with the community and other between the direct and indirect re-evaluating these actions will be stakeholders, will improve air costs of taking action and the the key to the long term success of quality in the North Lanarkshire. benefit in terms of improved air the Action Plan. Because of the nature of the quality. The types of actions set out challenge facing North Lanarkshire in the plan are: Council many of the actions contained are long term goals rather than attempts at short term fixes.

A draft Action Plan was prepared in 2007 and made available to all stakeholders for comment. This is an updated version of the original Action Plan which takes into account our most recent declaration of an Air Quality Management Area in Harthill which was completed in 2008.

This updated Action Plan has been through extensive internal and external consultation to try and reflect the views and comments of all stakeholders. The actions detailed in the plan reflect the

4 Introduction

North Lanarkshire Council is Scotland’s fourth largest local authority and is situated in central Scotland. It includes the medium to large towns of Motherwell, Wishaw, Airdrie, Coatbridge, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth and has a population of approximately 326,000. North Lanarkshire is a strategic transport hub with a number of major roads running through the district, namely the A8/M8 motorway running between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the M73/M74 running north and south, and the A80/M80 running north from Glasgow to Stirling and beyond. Local authorities in Scotland, like Further to this, a Detailed Following discussions with the then the rest of the UK have a duty to Assessment of PM10 levels was Scottish Executive and Scottish monitor and report on air quality in carried out in 2004, for four road Environment Protection Agency their area under a regime known as junctions throughout North (SEPA) it was agreed to declare Air Local Air Quality Management Lanarkshire, namely: Quality Management Areas (LAQM). National objectives have (AQMAs) for PM10 covering each of been set for seven significant • Junction of Airbles Road and the areas identified as potentially pollutants, along with dates for Windmillhill Street at the Civic exceeding the 2010 objective. compliance with the objectives. Centre, Motherwell; Where an AQMA is declared a local North Lanarkshire Council has been • Motherwell Cross junction in authority is obliged to develop an monitoring air quality in line with Motherwell Town Centre; Action Plan of measures to improve its statutory requirements for a • Whifflet Cross junction in local air quality. The Council number of years and have Coatbridge; and prepared a draft Action Plan in submitted annual reports to the • A73 at Chapelhall Main Street 2007 that was circulated for Scottish Government and Scottish and Lauchope Street junction. consultation, however following Environment Protection Agency. consultation with local and The Council’s location makes it a The 2004 Detailed Assessment for statutory stakeholders the Action prime area for commuters to PM10 concluded that the annual Plan has been updated. This Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling mean PM10 concentration at document forms the Council’s and this, combined with the sensitive receptors close to each of updated Action Plan. significant amount of private the road junctions is likely to residential housing that has been exceed the 2010 annual mean built in recent years has meant that objective level of 18µg/m3. It was North Lanarkshire has significant air also identified that the assumed quality challenges largely due to background concentration, road traffic emissions. obtained from nationally published sources accounted for more than 90% of the total predicted PM10 concentration.

5 2.0 The Local Air Quality Management Process in North Lanarkshire

2.1 Background 90% of the total predicted PM10 of the measured PM10 levels. The concentration. analysis indicated that the In 2003 North Lanarkshire Council contribution to measured PM10 undertook an Updating and Following discussions with the levels from road traffic and the Screening Assessment (US&A) of air Scottish Executive (as they were quarry was roughly similar. The quality. The US&A identified that then known) and the Scottish study concluded that the likelihood background PM10 concentrations Environment Protection Agency of exceedance of the 2010 annual in certain areas of North (SEPA) it was agreed to declare Air mean objective would depend on Lanarkshire were high and Quality Management Areas the nature of the PM10 material consequently that there was (AQMAs) covering each of the areas (e.g. coarse material from the potential for annual average PM10 identified as potentially exceeding quarry or more volatile secondary concentrations at certain busy road the 2010 objective. An AQMA was formed PM10 from road traffic junctions to exceed the 2010 declared in Motherwell covering emissions) and hence the annual mean NAQS objective for both areas of Motherwell Town adjustment factor applied to the PM10. Centre considered in the Detailed TEOM monitored results. North Assessment, whilst further AQMAs Lanarkshire proposed to undertake A Detailed Assessment of PM10 were declared at Whifflet Cross and gravimetric monitoring for direct levels at four road junctions was Chapelhall. The areas covered by comparison with the EU Directive. undertaken in 2004. The four each AQMA are detailed in junctions considered were: Appendix One. In 2006 the Council undertook another US&A. The US&A • Junction of Airbles Road and A Progress Report was undertaken concluded there were measured Windmillhill Street at the Civic in 2005 where monitoring data at exceedances of the 2010 annual Centre, Motherwell; Harthill, close to a quarry, indicated mean PM10 objectives within the • Motherwell Cross junction in a potential exceedance of the 2010 existing AQMA at Motherwell Cross Motherwell Town Centre; annual mean PM10 objective. Due and Chapelhall confirming the • Whifflet Cross junction in to the potential to exceed the continued requirement for the Coatbridge; and objective at Harthill, a Detailed AQMA. However, monitoring data • A73 at Chapelhall Main Street/ Assessment was also completed at at the Civic Centre, Motherwell, Lauchope Street junction. this time. within the Motherwell AQMA indicated a reduced PM10 The Detailed Assessment concluded The Detailed Assessment of PM10 concentration, such that it was that the annual mean PM10 levels at Harthill examined the unlikely that the annual mean PM10 concentrations at sensitive monitoring data and included objective would be exceeded in receptors close to each of the road dispersion modelling of fugitive 2010. junctions were likely to be in excess and point source quarry emissions, of the annual mean objective level as well as emissions from road The 2006 U&SA also included an of 18 µg/m3 in 2010. It was also traffic on the adjacent M8 assessment of road traffic identified that the assumed motorway. The monitoring data emissions, which identified background concentration, was analysed alongside measured potential for an exceedance of the obtained from nationally published wind directions and modelling 2010 PM10 annual mean objective sources, accounted for more than predictions to ascertain the source at roadside locations in Coatbridge.

6 The locations identified included In Chapelhall, modelling prepared a draft Action Plan of the AQMA at Whifflet. Measured predictions of PM10 concentrations measures that were to be NO2 concentrations within confirmed that the declaration of undertaken to improve air quality Motherwell and Chapelhall the AQMA was valid and that the within each of the AQMAs. The exceeded the NAQS annual mean existing boundary should be draft Action Plan was completed in objective. It was also recommended maintained. The source 2007 and included a mixture of that further consideration of the apportionment study has indicated measures to be undertaken locally AQMAs, including NO2 levels, that road traffic emissions were the and support for regional and should be given in the Further dominant source of anthropogenic national initiatives that would Assessment and Action Plan. PM10 emissions in Chapelhall. improve air quality in each of the AQMAs and in North Lanarkshire A further Assessment of the AQMAs In Motherwell, modelling generally. The draft Plan was was completed in 2007. The predictions of PM10 concentrations submitted to the Scottish assessment included the confirmed that the declaration of Government for comment, and compilation of a detailed inventory the AQMA was valid and that the whilst the Government were of all emissions within each of the existing AQMA boundary should be generally happy with the Plan, it AQMAs and a dispersion modelling maintained. Road traffic emissions was commented that there had study of those emissions to both were determined to be the been insufficient consultation on predict ambient PM10 dominant source of PM10 the Plan. concentrations across each of the concentrations at roadside locations study areas and to determine the while at background locations, In 2008, the Council’s Air Quality contribution of emissions from each volume sources were determined to Progress Report concluded that source to ambient concentrations. be a more significant source of there was a risk of exceeding the PM10 concentrations. This reflected NAQS objectives for NO2 and PM10 A discussion of the original and the higher contribution of industrial at a number of locations of relevant more recent source apportionment and combustion generated public exposure. Automatic studies is provided in Section 2.3, emissions from the industrial areas monitoring also indicated that the however the main conclusions of in the northern portion of the 2010 PM10 objective was likely to the 2007 study are summarised AQMA. be exceeded at Chapelhall, below. Menteith Road, Motherwell (within A further Assessment of air quality the existing Motherwell AQMA) The study predicted that PM10 in Harthill was carried out in 2008. and Harthill. The monitoring data concentrations within the Whifflet The study concluded that there was supported the continuation of the AQMA will exceed the 2010 annual a risk of exceedance of the 2010 AQMAs at Calder Court, Chapelhall mean objective and confirmed that PM10 annual mean objective at and Motherwell Cross, and a fourth the declaration of the AQMA was Harthill and that the decision to AQMA which was to be declared at valid and the boundary of the declare an AQMA was justified. It Harthill. The Harthill AQMA was AQMA should be at the least also concluded that the boundary declared in June 2008. maintained, although consideration of the proposed AQMA was valid should be given to identifying and should remain unchanged. The most recent air quality study PM10 concentrations at Kirkshaws Source apportionment concluded undertaken was the 2009 Updating and at receptors close to the that emissions from road traffic and and Screening Assessment (U&SA). Shawhead junction. The source fugitive PM10 were the most The study assessed the most recent apportionment study has indicated significant sources. monitoring data in each of the that road traffic emissions were the AQMAs and reviewed changes to dominant source of anthropogenic Following the declaration of the local emissions sources, including PM10 emissions in Coatbridge. AQMA’s in Whifflet, Chapelhall and variations in road traffic flows. Motherwell and further detailed Assessment studies, the Council

7 The most recent monitoring data 2.2 Monitoring Studies location factors ranging from 1.23 (2008) showed that measured in 2006 to 1.04 in 2008. annual mean PM10 concentrations 2.2.1 Co-Location Monitoring were in excess of the 2010 objective The use of co-location factors for at Chapelhall, and close to the The Council monitor PM10 within determining gravimetric equivalent objective at Mentieth Road, the AQMAs using real-time TEOM PM10 concentrations has Motherwell. The measured annual analysers. TEOM analysers are introduced some uncertainty into mean PM10 concentration at Calder equipped with a heated inlet which evaluating measured Court, within the Whifflet AQMA has been found to cause volatile concentrations, particularly in was substantially below the annual PM10 material to vaporise, thus assessing inter-annual variation in mean objective. Further detail on reducing the PM10 concentration measured concentrations. measured PM10 concentrations in measured by the analyser. each of the AQMAs is provided in Historically, research studies and In March 2009, new technical Section 2.2.3. national guidance had indicated guidance issued from the Scottish that TEOM analysers typically Government provided revised The measured concentrations at underestimated PM10 methods for assessing local air each of the monitoring stations concentrations by up to 30% in quality. Contained within the were consistent with the Further comparison with gravimetric guidance was a updated method Assessment modelling studies, measurement techniques on which for factoring TEOM measured PM10 which predicted exceedences at the air quality objectives for PM10 concentrations. The method, nearby sensitive receptor locations. are based. TEOM-measured PM10 known as the volatile correction Exceedence of the annual mean concentrations were therefore factor (VCM) was developed to objective for PM10 in 2010 was, factored by 1.3 for comparison with adjust TEOM concentrations to therefore, still predicted. Analysis of the air quality objective. gravimetric equivalence, based on the monitoring data indicated that the purge concentrations measured PM10 concentrations have In 2005, the (then) Scottish by FDMS analysers. This has generally decreased at all Executive issued guidance replaced the 1.3 adjustment factor monitoring locations over the last indicating that locally measured for PM10. Measured PM10 three years; this may however co-location factors could be used concentrations in 2008 have, reflect the changes to methods where available in preference to the therefore, been factored in used to correct the monitoring data national 1.3 factor. In response to accordance with the VCM (see 2.2.1). this guidance, North Lanarkshire correction method. As discussed Council has undertaken local above, evaluation of the measured An updated further Assessment co-location studies in which a concentration in 2008, in study of emission sources and PM10 TEOM analyser has been co-located comparison to previous years is concentrations within the with a gravimetric sampler and the difficult due to the change in Chapelhall, Motherwell and measurements compared to correction methods used. Whifflet AQMAs was undertaken determine an appropriate alongside this Action Plan. An adjustment factor. The initial 2.2.2 Background Concentrations accompanying Further Assessment co-location study was undertaken in North Lanarkshire report has been prepared which in 2005 at a background provides further information on the monitoring site in Motherwell. The The background concentration is study, whilst details of the source co-location study (reported in the the residual pollutant concentration apportionment study are provided Updating and Screening in an area that occurs without the in Section 2.3. Assessment 2006) concluded that a contribution of local emission factor of 1.20 was appropriate for sources. The background use in North Lanarkshire in concentration is akin to what would preference to the 1.3 factor. be experienced in a rural area. The Subsequent co-location studies in background concentration Harthill have determined annual co- encompasses two elements,

8 contribution from transboundary well as the extensive motorway periodically, with the most recent emission sources and natural networks which form part of the estimates of background PM10 sources. administrative boundaries. concentrations undertaken in 2009.

In addition to the background The National Atmospheric The original Detailed Assessment, concentration, there is a Emissions Inventory (NAEI) has undertaken in 2004, which contribution to ambient pollutant been compiled on behalf of Defra determined the potential for concentrations from diffuse and the devolved administrations. exceedence of the 2010 annual sources, such as commercial and The NAEI estimates emissions from mean objective for PM10 utilised domestic combustion or general differing emission sources based on published background PM10 industrial activities. Whilst national emissions factors and concentrations. The 2004 estimated emissions from such sources will estimates of activity for each background PM10 concentration in have a localised impact, the emission source, e.g. quantity and 2010 in Chapelhall, Motherwell and emissions tend to have a low level type of fuel combusted, and the Whifflett was 18µg/m3. Any impact across a wider area. These emissions are aggregated into contribution from local emission diffuse, or area, emission sources square kilometre areas. The NAEI sources, e.g. road traffic was contribute toward the ambient covers all areas of the UK, including therefore sufficient to take the pollutant concentration, and as North Lanarkshire. Using the predicted ambient concentration such the contribution is often emissions estimates within the NAEI over the objective level. included when referring to the high level dispersion modelling background concentration. studies have been undertaken to In 2006, the estimated 2010 estimate background pollutant background concentrations were Background pollutant concentrations on a square refined, with the estimated concentrations across North kilometre basis. The predicted background PM10 concentration in Lanarkshire are strongly influenced background concentrations are each of the AQMAs estimated to be by transboundary emission sources, verified against local monitoring in the range 14-16µg/m3. particularly as the area is downwind data to provide an estimate of the Monitoring undertaken at a of the greater Glasgow conurbation prevailing background background monitoring site by the for the prevailing wind direction. In concentration in each kilometre Council in 2005-06 demonstrated particular, the AQMAs at Whifflett grid square. The estimates of strong correlation with the and Motherwell are downwind of background pollutant estimated background Glasgow and South Lanarkshire as concentrations are undertaken concentrations.

2008 annual mean PM10 concentration 2010 annual mean PM10 concentration 2010 annual mean PM10 concentration (2006 base year) (2004 base year) (2006 base year)

Legend: Green 0 -10 µg/m3 Yellow 10 -15 µg/m3 Orange 15 – 18 µg/m3 Red 18 - 20 µg/m3

Figure 1 Estimated annual mean background concentration maps of PM10 (µg/m3)

9 In April 2009, a further refined dataset of estimated background AQMA Estimated background PM10 concentration PM10 concentrations was released. 2008 2010 The estimates of background concentrations were updated to Chapelhall 13.3 12.9 account for the implementation and through-feed of national Motherwell 14.0 13.5 policies aimed at improving air quality and to update for the effect Whifflett 14.8 14.3 of previous estimates based on actual monitoring data. The Table 1 Estimated annual mean background PM10 concentrations in each of the AQMAs (µg/ m3), 2010 updated background PM10 concentrations are presented in Table 1 and graphically in Figure 1. to be relatively uniform across the station operated by Glasgow City Council area, with concentrations Council in 2008 was 14.2µg/m3. As can be observed from the estimated to be lower than that background concentration maps, reported in 2006. Based on this measured the spatial distribution of predicted concentration at a rural site it is levels indicates that PM10 The estimated background PM10 considered that the 2009 concentrations are higher to the concentration in each of the background concentration south and east of the Council area. AQMAs is presented in Table 1. estimates may be lower than is These areas incorporate the The most recent estimates of experienced in reality. To date in Coatbridge/Airdrie and Bellshill/ background PM10 concentrations 2009, the average measured Motherwell/Wishaw urban areas. in 2010 are, therefore, substantially concentration is 12 µg/m3. This reflects the influence of lower than those originally transboundary sources on estimated in 2004. For comparative background pollutant purposes, the measured rural concentrations. The background annual average PM10 concentration PM10 concentrations are estimated at the Walkmillglen monitoring

Location Measured Annual Mean PM10 Concentration (µg/m3) 2005 2006 2007 2008

Motherwell Civic Centre 17.7 N/A N/A N/A

Motherwell Cross 23.5 27.8 23.1 N/A

Motherwell Menteith Road N/A N/A 19.5 17.6

Chapelhall 22.0 25.6 24.9 20.8

Whifflet N/A 18.0 17.9 15.0

Table 2 Measured Annual Mean PM10 Concentrations within each AQMA 2005-08, µg/m3

Notes: Motherwell Civic Centre monitoring station was relocated in 2006 The monitoring station at Motherwell Cross was relocated to Menteith Road in 2007. Monitoring was undertaken at each site for part of the year. The presented concentrations for each of these sites in 2007 are period mean concentrations and have not been annualised.

10 2.2.3 Monitoring Within the included an inventory of all as future years which included AQMAs emission sources within these expected traffic growth levels AQMAs and detailed modelling of accounting for committed Since the declaration of the AQMAs emissions in each area. The study developments. In particular, the in 2005 North Lanarkshire Council has been updated in 2009 using future traffic model for Motherwell has undertaken further monitoring improved estimates of road traffic attempted to include the effect of of PM10 concentrations in each of data and revised emissions the Ravenscraig development on the AQMAs. estimates. The findings of the road traffic flows in Motherwell. Further Assessment are reported The measured annual mean PM10 separately, with the report detailing The traffic models contain a concentrations at each of the the method of assessment, sources number of assumptions, however, AQMAs in 2005 and 2006 are of data and predicted that are not directly compatible presented in Table 2 below. Further concentrations; however the with the requirements of an air information on the monitoring is findings are summarised in this quality study. For example, the provided in the Further Assessment section. future traffic models for Motherwell and the 2009 Updating and predicted congestion on roads Screening Assessment Report. The study considered emissions around the town centre, such that from all sources within each AQMA, the model could not compute the The measured annual mean PM10 including: traffic flows, i.e. the roads were concentrations at each of the determined to experience traffic monitoring stations have • road traffic emissions from local flows beyond their theoretical demonstrated a general decrease in roads; design capacity. The model was, concentrations since 2005, • non-exhaust emissions therefore scaled back to traffic although some inter-annual attributable to traffic on local flows approximately 80% of that variation has been experienced due roads, including brake and tyre expected (although this varied from to variations in meteorological wear and resuspended material; road to road), with the remaining concentrations. • emissions from local commercial cars assumed to use alternative and domestic combustion; routes. The traffic flows used for Measured concentrations within • emissions from local industrial the modelling study, therefore, the Motherwell (at Menteith Road) sources; and were less than those that would be and Whifflet AQMAs have fallen • the contribution from natural expected in reality. This problem below the 2010 annual mean and transboundary sources. was overcome by use of adjustment objective level, although it should factors to vary predicted pollutant be noted that neither station is Initially an emissions inventory was concentrations to verify with local located at the point of worst case compiled estimating emissions monitoring data. exposure within each AQMA. The from each source. To determine measured annual mean PM10 emissions from road traffic on local The modelled traffic flow levels for concentration at Chapelhall roads traffic flow data was obtained each road were input to an remains substantially above the from studies undertaken on behalf emissions database which was used NAQS objective level. of North Lanarkshire Roads to calculate emissions on each Department. The road traffic flow stretch of road, based on the traffic 2.3 Further Assessment data, provided by traffic flow level, speed of traffic, vehicle (source apportionment) consultants SIAS, was determined type and assumptions regarding from modelling studies undertaken the relative proportion of differing to optimise traffic flows in the vehicle and engine types within the A further Assessment of PM10 Motherwell-Wishaw area and average traffic flow for a given year concentrations in the Chapelhall Airdrie-Coatbridge area (including and road type. AQMA, Coatbridge AQMA and Chapehall). Traffic flow data was Motherwell AQMA was undertaken provided for baseline years as well in 2006-07. The Further Assessment

11 Emissions from non-road traffic sources were estimated with reference to the NAEI and other published data sources. Emissions from non-road traffic sources were aggregated into an emission for a square kilometre, assuming emissions were evenly distributed across the grid square.

The various emissions were input to the dispersion model as road or area sources alongside information on local topographic and meteorological conditions. Modelling predictions of ambient PM10 concentrations were then Figure 2 Contribution of differing emission sources to measured annual mean PM10 undertaken across each AQMA and concentrations within each AQMA 2008 at specified receptor points located within each AQMA. The most significant local emissions from other roads in the The contribution of each emission contribution to measured area, rail traffic and industry. The source to total PM10 concentrations concentrations is from local road total contribution from these was extracted from the modelling traffic, which contributes sources ranges from approximately predictions. The contribution of approximately 20% of measured 20% at Motherwell and Whifflet, to each source to the total PM10 will PM10 concentrations at Motherwell approximately 15% at Chapelhall. vary from location to location, and Whifflet, and nearly 40% at The industrial contribution to however indicative contributions at Chapelhall. This contribution measured concentrations in the monitoring locations within includes both vehicle exhaust Motherwell and Whifflet is each AQMA are presented emissions and other non-exhaust relatively significant at around 10%. graphically in Figure 2. sources such as break and tyre The influence of regional scale wear. The contribution also sources is supported by analysis of The graph demonstrates that the includes an element of measured measured PM10 concentrations in highest proportion of measured PM10 levels due to the both Glasgow and Edinburgh. The PM10 concentrations is attributable resuspension of dust from the road analysis indicates that there is a to natural sources and contributes caused by vehicle tyres. Uncertainty strong correlation between approximately 30-40% of measured exists over the significance of measured PM10 concentrations at annual mean PM10 concentrations emissions from resuspension, and monitoring stations in Glasgow and at each of the monitoring stations. factors used to estimate this have Edinburgh. The correlation would A further 15-20% of measured been withdrawn. Accordingly, the suggest a strong regional influence concentrations are attributable to contribution of dust resuspension to PM10 concentrations as well as long range transboundary sources cannot be individually determined, synoptic weather conditions. leading to secondary formation of but is included in the local road PM10 material in the atmosphere. contribution. Understanding the contribution of At each monitoring station, The balance of measured different sources to ambient PM10 therefore 50-60% of measured concentrations are emitted from levels is important in developing an concentrations are from sources local area sources, including the Action Plan as the actions should be outside of the control of North contribution from commercial and targeted at those areas where the Lanarkshire Council. domestic emissions, traffic most significant improvements can be achieved.

12 Based on the findings of the source apportionment study it is recognised that a significant proportion of ambient PM10 is attributable to natural and transboundary sources. The most significant local anthropogenic source is road traffic emissions, both as an immediate source on the local road but also in contributing to the background concentration. This is particularly the case at Chapelhall. Emissions from industry provide a significant contribution to the background concentration, therefore support for measures to reduce emissions from industry is also important.

13 3.0 Policies, Plans and Developments Likely to Impact on the Council’s Air Quality Action Plan

Ongoing monitoring and the 3.1 Roads and There are several main activities Further Assessment have confirmed Transportation Policies and planned to help achieve the above that the ambient PM10 outcomes. Reducing congestion is concentration in North Lanarkshire Plans one of the key ways to help reduce is strongly influenced by journey times. In order to reduce 3.1.1 National Transport Strategy transboundary sources and other congestion some improvements emissions generated over a wider include: Scotland’s Transport Strategy area. The effect of local road traffic follows on from the 2005 Transport emissions is to push the ambient • Improved connections between White Paper, Scotland’s Transport PM10 concentration from just major centres of economic Future. The National Transport below the NAQS objective level to activity; Strategy aims to address the key above it. It is necessary, therefore, • Improved interface between challenges facing the Scottish for the Air Quality Action Plan to different modes of transport; transport system today. These are: include some focus on measures to • Improved efficiency and an increase in the number of reduce regional PM10 emissions as reliability of public transport; vehicles on the roads, in particular well as considering each AQMA • Encourage modal shift from cars passenger cars, coupled with a individually. North Lanarkshire to public transport; decrease in the use of public Council has little or no influence • Reallocating road space to the transport. The Scottish Government over PM10 emissions from sources most efficient users; and has identified a need for a more outside the Council boundary, • Managing demand on the road efficient, integrated and reliable therefore any measures adopted to network. transport network which can reduce PM10 levels will require to encourage economic growth, be based around influencing In order to reduce emissions, some environmental protection and national or regional policies or improvements include: social inclusion while helping to plans. reduce congestion, reduce journey • Encouraging new vehicle times , reduce car use and improve This Chapter outlines policies, plans technologies; public transport. and other known factors that have • Improved land use planning the potential to impact on PM10 through the Scottish Planning To help achieve these aims, the concentrations in North Policy (SPP) 17; National Transport Strategy Lanarkshire. • Promotion of walking and outlines three main outcomes: cycling; • Improving the efficiency of • Improve journey times and freight movements and the connections; transfer of freight from roads to • Reduce emissions; and rail and water; • Improve quality, accessibility and • Encouraging eco-driving and affordability. purchase of less polluting vehicles; and • To encourage stricter adherence to speed limits.

14 3.1.2 Regional Transport Strategy particular the rail network and Completion Project. service improvements as well as in An environmental statement and The Regional Transport Strategy encouraging modal shift, draft orders for the scheme were was derived by Strathclyde promoting cleaner vehicles and published in 2004. A key Partnership for Transport, which is restricting growth in traffic levels. recommendation of the M8 essentially the west of Scotland’s Completion Project in the CSTCS regional transport partnership. The 3.1.4 Central Scotland Transport was the provision of a service strategy has four main strategic Corridor Studies (CSTCS) station and lorry park facilities on aims – improved connectivity, the M73 to ease traffic flows on the access for all, reduced emissions The Scottish Executive A73 corridor. The introduction of and attractive, seamless, reliable commissioned a study in 2001 to such a development would have a travel. The key objectives of the evaluate transportation provision positive effect on air quality in Regional Transport Strategy are: on the three main trunk road Chapelhall. corridors in west central Scotland • To provide safety and security; (A8, A80 and M74). The three The Airdrie-Bathgate rail line was • Encourage a modal shift from car corridors pass through or form the identified as a key development in use to walking, cycling and boundary of the North Lanarkshire CSTCS. The scheme received public transport; Council area, and as such the consent from Parliament in 2007. • To improve the reliability of the conclusions and decisions on the This scheme will provide four transport network and improve study directly impinge on services per hour between Glasgow the integration between services; transportation and thus air quality and Edinburgh passing through an • To provide an effective and within North Lanarkshire. upgraded Airdrie station, a efficient transport network; relocated station at Drumgelloch • To provide access for all; A decision document was published and a new station at Caldercruix. • To improve health and protect by the Scottish Executive in 2003 The scheme will improve access to the environment by reducing (and updated in 2006) outlining Livingston, Glasgow and Edinburgh emissions; and the Executive’s decision on each of for commuters based in the Airdrie • To integrate transport provision the key recommendations of the area and should also reduce road into land use planning strategies. study. The recommendations that traffic accessing the M8 motorway will have an effect on air quality via the A73 and Chapelhall and on The Regional Transport Strategy within each of the AQMAs in North the Whifflet corridor. Consequently also sets out a series of core Lanarkshire are: there should be a positive impact activities which aim to address the on the air quality within the key objectives. Examples of these • Airdrie-Bathgate rail line; Chapelhall and Whifflet AQMAs. activities include providing • A8 upgrade between Baillieston integrated tickets, improving bus and Newhouse; The CSTCS recommended the infrastructure and encouraging • Glasgow to Whifflet rail service; provision of an integrated system of sustainable transport choices. The • Integrated local and express bus express bus services along the M8/ Regional Transport Strategy also services along A8 corridor; A8 with local bus services. It was outlines a series of action plans • Glasgow-Edinburgh via Shotts suggested that the scheme link designed to help work towards rail upgrade; residential areas in Airdrie, Whifflet, achieving the objectives. Although • Improvement of the A725 Coatbridge, Motherwell and the Regional Transport Strategy Bellshill Bypass and Raith Ravenscraig/Wishaw with the does not detail specific measures Interchange; and Eurocentral and other key that will improve air quality in the • Upgrade of the A80/M80. employment area. The scheme AQMAs, it does demonstrate a should reduce road traffic accessing commitment to improving air The A8 Upgrade and A725 the M8, M74 and other main trunk quality as a result of improvements improvement schemes are linked roads, resulting in improved air to public transport, and in and commonly known as the M8 quality in each of the AQMAs.

15 Improvements to the rail network • To protect North Lanarkshire’s The aim of the Walking and Cycling between North Lanarkshire and natural and built environment Strategy is to achieve a 10% Glasgow were proposed through and improve the health of its increase in the number of journeys improvements to the Glasgow- population. made by foot and a 400% increase Whifflet line and the Glasgow to in bicycle use (from base 1996 Carfin/Holytown service. An The strategy identifies the need to levels) by 2012. The targets are increased Glasgow-Lanark service improve access to public transport integrated with the Local Transport via Carfin/Holytown service was and cycling and walking networks Strategy. introduced in 2006. The scheme as a key aim. Actions include also provided for a future station at enhancement of public transport There are no specific objectives Ravenscraig. An improved Glasgow- links to stations serving the new within the Walking and Cycling Whifflet service was introduced Airdrie – Bathgate rail line, Strategy that will reduce PM10 recently, with two services per hour improving links to existing train concentration in any of the AQMAs, operating on the line. The services and lobbying for improved however, the overall effect of the improvements to both the bus services in the evenings and strategy will be to reduce road Glasgow-Lanark and Glasgow- weekends. traffic emissions through increased Whifflet service will assist in modal shift, thus assisting in reducing traffic levels accessing the It also identifies the need to tackle reducing the overall background M8 and M74 and should result in the impact of peak hour congestion PM10 concentration. small improvements to air quality in and identifies a number of key both the Whifflet and Motherwell actions including road 3.2 Planning and AQMAs. improvements, parking Development Policies and enhancements within town centres The M80 upgrade is ongoing and is and softer measures aimed at Plans due for completion in 2011. reducing the demand for travel and encouraging travel by means other 3.2.1 National Planning 3.1.5 Local Transport Strategy than car. Framework

North Lanarkshire Council have The consultative draft recognises A new planning system for Scotland recently consulted (October 2009) the current air quality position came into force on 3rd August on a Local Transport Strategy. The within North Lanarkshire Council 2009. There are three main parts to key objectives identified within the and there are many similarities with the planning system: consultation include: the key actions identified in the strategy and those within the Air • Development Plans – these set • To stimulate business and the Quality Action plan. out how places should change economy and develop North and also set out the policies used Lanarkshire as an attractive place 3.1.6 North Lanarkshire Council to make decisions about to invest, work and do business Walking and Cycling Strategy planning applications; • To provide equal opportunities • Development Management and enhance the choice, In demonstrating North Lanarkshire – this is the process whereby accessibility and availability of Council’s commitment to decisions about planning transport, particularly for those developing a safe, sustainable and applications are made; and in deprived areas and for those integrated transport system, the • Enforcement – this is the process with limited access to the Council has prepared a Walking that ensures development is transport network and Cycling Strategy. Walking and carried out correctly and takes • To promote safety in the cycling have been identified as a action when development community and enhance actual key part of the integrated transport happens without permission or and perceived safety when system as they offer health, social when conditions have not been travelling on the transport inclusion, public access and followed. network environmental benefits.

16 Development plans set out what linkages including walking, cycling • an introduction section type of development should take and public transport to the main explaining what the local plan is, place and where, including employment centres. Addressing what it contains, how to use is infrastructure developments such key problems on the road network and the process leading to the as roads, schools and parks. The is another long term vision, plan’s adoption Development Plan for North particularly to address external and • a development strategy section Lanarkshire currently comprises the internal transport links. This setting out the overall vision for Glasgow and the Clyde Valley Joint involves improving rail access, the physical development of Structure Plan (The Structure Plan) improving public transport, North Lanarkshire. This describes and 5 separate Local Plans managing congestion and our aims for the local plan, four collectively covering all of the upgrading strategic road corridors area priorities where the pace Council area. When the North (e.g. A8/M8 and A80/M80 routes). and scale of change will be most Lanarkshire Local Plan has gone significant and four policies that through an Examination process in The aims of the Structure Plan apply to every planning the second half of 2010 the should, therefore, result in application for planning Development Plan for North improvement to local air quality permission; and Lanarkshire will comprise the through improvements in public • four topics setting out policies Structure Plan and the North transport, however the specifics of that apply only to particular Lanarkshire Local Plan. Under the these improvements should be types of development (such as new planning system the Structure detailed in the local plan and housing or retail) or to particular Plan will be replaced by a Strategic strategy. locations (such as existing Development Plan (SDP) and a industrial areas of town centres). Local Development Plan (LDP). The 3.2.3 North Lanarkshire Local SDP will set out long term Plan 3.3 Corporate Policies and development aspirations for the Plans overall city region and the LDP will The Council currently works from set out detailed development sites twelve separate plans which cover and policies to guide decisions on smaller areas within the Council 3.3.1 North Lanarkshire Council planning applications. area. Combining these into a single Community Plan plan should make the whole 3.2.2 Glasgow and Clyde Valley planning process simpler and North Lanarkshire Council’s Joint Structure Plan easier. A single North Lanarkshire Community Plan sets out the Local Plan is expected to be in place Council’s key objectives for the The Glasgow and Clyde Valley Joint early 2011. period, and the “housing and the Structure Plan sets out a environment” section is a key issue development strategy for the Local plans set out detailed sites of the plan. The plan identifies the Glasgow and Clyde Valley area. The and policies for the development wide range of environmental four main aims of the strategy are and use of land and guide all considerations facing North to provide: day-to-day planning decisions. Lanarkshire Council, one of which is They assess development needs air quality. A key long-term • Economic growth; over the next 5 – 10 years, and set objective of the Plan is that air • Social cohesion; out Policies and Proposals to quality is improved in relation to • Environmental sustainability; and achieve them. national standards. The key • Integrated land use and priorities of the Plan are not directly transportation. The local plan comprises a Policy focused on air quality, however, Document, Six Area Action Plans (to schemes such as the improvements The main areas of interest with tie in with the Council’s six Local in energy efficiency and regard to local air quality include Area Partnerships) and a Proposals improvements to waste transport planning. The Plan aims Map. The Policy Document includes management should have an to promote green transport indirect and positive effect on air quality.

17 3.3.2 North Lanarkshire Council • Health and wellbeing 3.4.2 National Sustainable Single Outcome Agreement • Environment Development Strategy • Lifelong learning Single Outcome Agreements (SOA) • Regeneration The UK Government’s sustainable are intended to support the • Developing the organisation development strategy, “Securing strategic objectives of the Scottish the Future” aims to bring the Government to achieve a Scotland 3.4 Sustainable principles of sustainable that is wealthier and fairer, safer development into UK priorities. The and stronger, smarter and greener. Development/Climate Strategy has several areas of focus. This is to be achieved through Change Policies and Plans It aims to encourage people to greater partnership working both make more sustainable choices in with Councils and with other 3.4.1 Climate Change (Scotland) how they live their lives. Reducing partner organisations, laying the Bill consumption patterns, improved foundations on which future resource efficiency and reduced community planning will be based. The Climate Change (Scotland) Act waste are all objectives designed to North Lanarkshire Council has its received royal assent on the 4th obtain “one planet living”. first Single Outcome Agreement, August 2009. The main aim of the and air quality is included therein. act is to reduce greenhouse gas A major area of focus is to help emissions by 80% by 2050. The Act prevent climate change and 3.3.3 North Lanarkshire Council requires the Scottish Government improve energy efficiency. Within Corporate Plan to draw up plans and policies this section, transport is cited as an designed, amongst others, to area where emissions have to The North Lanarkshire Council improve energy efficiency from decrease. The emissions in question Corporate Plan runs from 2008- buildings, both domestic and non are carbon dioxide. However, 2012 and is document essentially domestic, and reduce greenhouse reducing vehicle emissions for outlining what the Council expects gas emissions. The Act also provides climate change reasons will also to achieve for North Lanarkshire for the development of waste have a beneficial effect on local air and its residents over the coming development and management pollution as well as protecting four years. Five key themes are plans. natural resources and preventing detailed, which are structured environmental degradation. around the services the Council Although the Act does not delivers. Each key theme identifies a specifically address issues relating 3.4.3 North Lanarkshire Council number of outcomes which will to air quality, improvements in Carbon Management Plan ensure the council reaches its vision energy efficiency and reducing for the North Lanarkshire area. greenhouse gas emissions should North Lanarkshire Council has As well as providing details of the impact favourably on air quality. signed up to the Scottish Climate strategic direction of the Council, The Act also requires the Scottish Change Declaration and this the Corporate Plan also Ministers to prepare and publish a commits the Council to reducing demonstrates the Council’s public engagement strategy by their climate change impact by contribution to attaining national December 31st 2010 which will reducing their greenhouse gas priorities. It informs the work of inform all about the targets emissions and to work towards each of the Council’s services, and generated by the various plans and counteracting the anticipated the work that the Council policies and encourage all of the effects of climate change. undertakes in partnership with population of Scotland to others. contribute to these objectives. In order to fulfil this commitment the Council is preparing a Carbon The five key themes detailed in the Management Plan which sets out 2008-2012 Corporate Plan are: how the Council and its key partners (who deliver services on the Council’s behalf) will reduce

18 their carbon dioxide emissions 3.5 Planned Developments is predicted within the Chapelhall consistently over the coming years. In North Lanarkshire AQMA as a result of the scheme, The Carbon Management Plan was with little or no change in PM10 prepared with the help of key staff Affecting the AQMAs concentrations predicted within from across the Council and from either the Motherwell or Whifflet partner organisations (Saltire, Amey 3.5.1 M8 Completion AQMAs. Due to other strategic road Roads North Lanarkshire, Morrisons improvement commitments it Property Care, Broadwood Stadium The proposed M8 Completion, as would appear that work on the M8 Ltd, North Lanarkshire Leisure Ltd mentioned previously in 3.1.4 will Completion project will now not and The Time Capsule Monklands impact upon air quality levels in begin until 2013. Trust Ltd) and also the Carbon each of the AQMAs. The works will Trust. entail the construction of a new The scheme was assumed as a separated three lane equivalent committed development in the It quantifies North Lanarkshire motorway standard road between Further Assessment. Council’s greenhouse gas emissions Baillieston and Newhouse. The aim in terms of source and quantity and of the scheme is to separate 3.5.2 Ravenscraig Development sets out measures, initiatives, plans regional traffic travelling east-west and projects with the potential to from local traffic travelling north- The redevelopment of the former reduce emissions. These are then south, or between urban areas e.g. steelworks site at Ravenscraig is one assessed and prioritised, resulting Coatbridge to Chapelhall. of the largest development projects in a five year plan which targets a Scotland has ever seen. The project 25% reduction in carbon dioxide In addition to the new road, new or will result in the construction of a emissions (and carbon dioxide upgraded junctions will be new community bordering the equivalent emissions of methane) provided at Baillieston, Shawhead, towns of Motherwell and Wishaw. over the five year period – 1st April Eurocentral, Chapelhall and It is anticipated that the new 2009 to 31st March 2014. Newhouse. The scheme also development will comprise: includes the introduction of a new Part of the way the Council intends All Purpose Road (APR), also known • Housing for up to 10,000 new to reduce their carbon dioxide as a Distributor Road serving the residents; emissions is through the use of existing westbound carriageway. • A new town centre with retail renewable technologies including The purpose of the new road will and leisure facilities; biomass burning. Although this be to facilitate the movement of • An industrial campus; may reduce carbon emissions it can local traffic. A planned upgrade of • Office and business lead to increasing particulate the Raith Interchange (A725/M74) accommodation; emissions. Work is, and will be should also reduce traffic queuing • New regional sports facility; and undertaken to ensure that the on the Bellshill Bypass. • Primary, secondary and college Carbon Management and Air educational facilities. Quality Action Plans are The air quality impact of the harmonised, and work with, rather proposed M8 Completion was As part of the new development a than against, each other. considered as part of the new rail/bus interchange is planned Environmental Assessment of the to provide an integrated public scheme and also as part of the transport system for both residents Further Assessment. The and workers based in Ravenscraig. assessment of air quality impacts The transport system will provide identified that improvements in air access to neighbouring towns as quality would be experienced in well as providing commuter links to some locations, however there Glasgow and Edinburgh. would be deterioration in air An important part of the quality at other locations. A Ravenscraig development will be marginal improvement in air quality

19 access, including the provision of The assessment of future scenarios 3.5.4 Strathclyde Partnership for new roads connecting the for the Motherwell AQMA included Transport (SPT) proposed new M8 and M74. for the impact of increased road Changes to the existing Airbles traffic associated with the SPT is the Regional Transport Road in Motherwell are proposed Ravenscraig development. The Partnership (RTP) for the West of to allow the road to absorb the available traffic data did not, Scotland, created as one of seven additional traffic that be generated however, allow for the phased across Scotland in 2006. SPT has by the Ravenscraig development. It increase in road traffic levels the statutory responsibility to is proposed to widen the associated with the early stages of improve strategic transport roundabout at Motherwell Civic the development, rather it provided connections across the Strathclyde Centre to provide access to the assumed traffic flows associated area, develop the transport Ravenscraig and absorb the with the completed development network and encourage more additional traffic between with an arbitrary 2014 completion sustainable travel choices. SPT’s key Ravenscraig and Hamilton/M74. date. As discussed in Section 2.3 partners are the twelve local The scheme will involve substantial the traffic model indicated traffic authorities that make up the changes to the road network within flows exceeding the design Partnership, one of which is North the Motherwell AQMA. The capacity of the roads in Motherwell, Lanarkshire Council. As part of the proposed new road scheme has thus the projected traffic flows partnership working, SPT assist been designed to discourage traffic were reduced by 20%. The traffic North Lanarkshire Council in to/from Ravenscraig travelling model did not include for changes meeting the commitments of their through Motherwell town centre, to the road network associated with Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) by channelling it onto Airbles Road. the Ravenscraig development. with the Scottish Government. In working towards this goal, SPT and A preliminary air quality impact 3.5.3 Biomass Feasibility Study North Lanarkshire Council have assessment undertaken as part of identified transport priorities for an outline planning application for North Lanarkshire Council have the coming year that support local Ravenscraig indicated that PM10 recently commissioned a feasibility outcomes. Eight transport priorities concentrations will increase within study into the possibility of were identified for 2008/09. The the AQMA as part of the growing its own biomass crop for ones with relevance to the Air development. The assessment was, use in and adjacent to the Council Quality Action Plan are: however, carried out a number of area. The project is still in its years ago and was based on infancy, however local air quality • Eurocentral – delivery of a preliminary traffic flow predictions. management, and the potential for business case and feasibility Furthermore, at the time that the additional particulate pollution has study identifying preferred assessment was undertaken the already been highlighted to those location to support a bus 2004 annual mean objective for in charge of the feasibility study as corridor, and details of its design PM10 was the only objective in a possible area of concern. (committed funding £25,000). force, and predicted PM10 This is adjacent to both the concentrations were substantially Whifflet and hapelhall AQMAs. below that objective. The (then) • Harthill – implementation of predicted concentrations were, enhanced and extension to however, above the more onerous existing bus park and ride 2010 annual mean objective. facilities (committed funding £1,050,000). This is adjacent to the Harthill AQMA.

20 21 4.0 Consultation

North Lanarkshire Council believes 4.1 In-house and quality throughout the planning consultation to be an integral part Stakeholder Consultation process, in the Local Plan and in of preparing its Air Quality Action development management is Plan and accordingly, extensive Workshops essential. consultation has been undertaken • Vehicle efficiency, Following this an in-house in the preparation of the Draft Air enforcement, emissions consultation workshop for the air Quality Action Plan. testing, bus regulation – a full quality action plan was held in July range of enforcement, testing 2008. This involved around 20 The first stage in the consultation and regulatory tools should be delegates from within the Council, process was to obtain details of used to tackle the many ways in and looked in greater detail at interested parties both within, and which the age, lack of North Lanarkshire’s air quality external to the Council who may maintenance, idling or parking of issues and in particular the AQMAs. have a vested interest and be of vehicles can cause or exacerbate Subsequently, an external assistance in ensuring a robust and air pollution. stakeholder consultation event was transparent consultation exercise. • Raising awareness, culture held in September 2008 – this was An external facilitator was engaged change, education and attended by 18 participants from to assist in the preparation and information. These are all seen as the Council and a further 15 execution of part of the essential to get decision - makers participants from 13 other consultation exercise. The and the public to understand the agencies. consultant, Tim Birley, had been problems and support remedial used by other local authorities in action. This includes visual Both workshops included briefing the local area, for similar exercises display of PM10 levels so that presentations, discussion sessions so it was felt his recent experience people can “see” the problem. in small groups and an individual in air quality action planning would • The Council leading by example. questionnaire. The event was be beneficial. It was argued that the Council opened by Paul Jukes, the Council’s should practice what it Executive Director of Environmental It was decided that the first step in advocates. Greening the Services. The aim of the the process would be to hold a Council’s vehicle fleet, and consultation workshops was to meeting of relevant bodies from adopting flexible working raise awareness of air quality, and within the Council to determine practices headed the list of to inform input to the Council’s who may have an input in actions proposed. Action Plan. developing a wider consultation • Improving traffic flow and modal exercise. This was held in early shift. New infrastructure and Taking the workshops’ group 2008 and comprised traffic management is needed, discussions, voting and representatives from a number of particularly for junction questionnaire, the top priorities for different Council Departments, improvements. Equally, there the Action Plan to include were: including Environmental Services, should be measures to reduce Roads and Transportation, Planning the flow of vehicles, including • Planning – the main concern and the Chief Executives better knowledge of why people was that developers should have Department. From this, a more are making their journeys, and to ensure that mitigation detailed list of possible internal get them out of cars. measures are in place if adverse interested parties was formed. impact on air quality would otherwise be likely as a result of a development. Inclusion of air

22 In addition to these five priorities, responses a £200 prize draw was 4.3 Citizen’s Panel and a further four topics were identified set up with the incentive that all Resident’s Survey by the workshops as significant. completed responses would be These were: entered into the prize draw. The North Lanarkshire Council has its questionnaires were made available own Citizen’s Panel set up in order • Public transport – especially in in Council buildings within the to consult on a variety of issues. the context of Motherwell town AQMAs with a box for posting They also have a bank of people centre completed entries, as well as a who have agreed to participate in • Tackling the School Run Freepost facility included on the Resident’s Surveys from time to • Addressing pollution from back of the questionnaire. time. Through discussions with commercial, domestic and colleagues in the Community industrial combustion In addition to the paper copies of Engagement and Research and • Exploring the potential for road the questionnaires the questions Information Teams of the Chief cleaning and dust suppression were also uploaded onto the Executive’s Department questions to remove or wash away particles Council’s STANDpoint opinion- relating to air quality were able to and prevent their re-suspension. meter and this was placed in a be included in the latest Resident’s venue in each of the AQMAs for a Survey and Citizen’s Panel. 4.2 Public Consultation period of a week each. This enabled respondents to reply electronically 4.4 Results of Consultation Following the in-house and external to the questionnaire. stakeholder workshops it was felt Exercises that the next stage should be a A comprehensive advertising The main aim of this survey was to public consultation. Again, the aim campaign took place in respect of gauge public views on air quality in was to inform the action plan the public consultation, which North Lanarkshire. The results of measures, however the public comprised colour adverts being put the survey will be used to inform consultation drew on ideas already in the local press advertising the Environmental Services Air Quality gained from the workshops, as STANDpoint times and venues, as Management. opposed to starting with a blank well as the other locations at which canvas. It was felt that the questionnaires could be obtained. In order to consult with members consultation should be as In addition to this, the local radio of the public, a STANDpoint was widespread as possible, within the station, L107 ran the consultation as used and placed within facilities AQMAs. A questionnaire was one of their news items, including throughout the air quality developed, with the assistance of an interview/further information management areas including: the Council’s Research and details carried out by Fiona Maguire Chapelhall, Motherwell, Whifflet Information Officers in the Chief of the Council’s Protective Services. and Harthill during the months of Executives Department. The A press release was also prepared, March to April 2009. These questionnaire was available in and the article and accompanying machines allow respondents to paper format, with four different photograph was published by some answer questions quickly and easily versions that were specifically of the local newspapers. Finally, a and gather data in a reliable way. tailored to the individual AQMAs. A poster campaign was undertaken copy of the questionnaire is to further increase publicity of the included in Appendix 4. The consultation exercise – posters questionnaire contained 5 were distributed throughout the questions and then finally provided AQMAs providing details of the a list of possible ideas to include in consultation and how people could the Action Plan and asked respond. The consultation itself ran respondents to rate how effective from mid-April to end May 2009. they believed each action to be. In Copies of the advertising material order to maximise interest and are included in Appendix 4.

23 Research Objectives • extra road cleaning to wash away particulate pollution 2009 The main objectives of the research were as follows: • to determine how often members of the public visit the Chapelhall 36 • to identify how members of the air quality management areas public rate air quality in North Motherwell 29 Lanarkshire Methodology Whifflet 16 • to determine: A STANDpoint was placed in facilities throughout North Harthill 15 • how air quality in North Lanarkshire for a period of 4 weeks Lanarkshire compares with the throughout the months of March to TOTAL 96 rest of Scotland April 2009. The machine was • awareness levels of air quality placed in facilities where customers management areas could easily access them. Table 3: STANDpoint survey returns per AQMA

• to gain customers perceptions Returns on the following measures: A total of 96 completed surveys • vehicle exhaust emission tests were obtained from the • fixed penalties for idling STANDpoints. The following table vehicles details the numbers of responses • improved emission standards received per Air Quality for buses Management area: • improving public transport • ensure our vehicles use low emission fuel • introduction of parking charges • stricter enforcement of parking restrictions • encouraging people to use cars less • provide more information on air quality • reduce dust and smoke emissions from construction sites • guidance on domestic coal or wood burners in homes • further research into potential initiatives e.g. tree planting • work with eco-schools and education • more detailed air quality monitoring

24 Findings

1 How do you rate air quality in North Lanarkshire?

As detailed in the chart below, nearly 41% respondents felt that air quality in North Lanarkshire was good with 16 (16.7%) answering ‘very good’ and 23 (23.9%) ‘good’. 21 (21.8%) respondents thought air quality was ‘average’, however, 14 (14.6%) thought it was ‘poor’ and 6 (6.3%) ‘very poor’.

The remaining 16 (16.7%) respondents stated that they ‘don’t Figure 3: Survey response rating air quality in North Lanarkshire know’.

2 If you answered poor or very poor, which of these sources do you think contribute most to poor air quality in North Lanarkshire?

Respondents who answered ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ to the above question were then asked which of the following sources they felt contributed most to poor air quality including:

• Agriculture • Commercial Activities Figure 4: Survey response identifying source contribution to poor Air Quality in North • Domestic Activites Lanarkshire • Industry • Quarries / Landfill / Mining As detailed, the highest number of • Road Traffic respondents 13 (65%) felt that ‘road • Other transport (trains) traffic’ contributed most to poor air • Don’t Know quality in North Lanarkshire. • Other 3 If you stated ‘other’ to the A total of 20 poor or very poor previous question, what other responses were received. NB It sources do you think contribute to should be noted that respondents poor air quality? were able to select more than one source. 1 (5%) respondent stated that they felt ‘other’ sources contributed to poor air quality, however, made no further comment.

25 4 How do you think air quality in North Lanarkshire compares with the rest of Scotland?

The highest percentage of respondents 33 (34.3%) felt that air quality in North Lanarkshire was ‘about the same’ in comparison with the rest of Scotland, however, 29 (30.2%) felt that it was ‘worse’. A fairly low percentage 18 (18.8%) felt that air quality was ‘better’.

Figure 5: Survey response comparing Air Quality in North Lanarkshire with the rest of Scotland

5 Are you aware that North Lanarkshire Council has declared Air Quality Management areas in parts of Motherwell, Coatbridge, Chapelhall and Harthill?

Of the 96 responses received, 35 (36.5%) respondents were aware that North Lanarkshire Council has declared Air Quality Management areas, however, the majority 61 (63.5%) stated ‘no’ they were not aware of this.

Figure 6: Survey response regarding awareness of Air Quality Management areas in North Lanarkshire

26 6 Please rate the following measures on a scale of 1 – 5, with 1 being NOT VERY EFFECTIVE to 5 being VERY EFFECTIVE, for their impact on improving air quality in North Lanarkshire.

Respondents were asked to rate the measures on a scale of 1 – 5, with 1 being NOT VERY EFFECTIVE to 5 being VERY EFFECTIVE. The following table details the scale:

1 Not Very Effective

2 25% Effective

3 50% Effective

4 75% Effective

5 Very Effective

The following pages identify how members of the public feel about the effectiveness of identified measures and their impact on improving air quality.

VEHICLE EXHAUST EMISSION TESTS – as shown below, around 32% respondents felt that this measure was not effective with 23 (24%) stating ‘not very effective’ and 8 (8.3%) ‘25% effective’. However, 33% respondents felt that it would be effective with 12 (12.5%) stating ‘75% effective’ and 20 (20.8%) ‘very effective’.

Figure 7: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of vehicle exhaust emission testing in AQMA’s

27 FIXED PENALTY FOR IDLING VEHICLES – again, respondents were fairly evenly split over whether this measure would be effective or not with the highest percentages 21 (21.9%) stating ‘not very effective’ and 21 (21.9%) ‘very effective’. percentages 21 (21.9%) stating ‘not very effective’ and 21 (21.9%) ‘very effective’.

Figure 8: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of vehicle idling enforcement in AQMA’s

IMPROVED EMISSION STANDARDS FOR BUSES – encouragingly, nearly 43% of respondents felt that this would be an effective measure with 31 (32.3%) stating ‘very effective’ and 10 (10.4%) ‘75% effective’. However, 19 (19.8%) respondents felt that this was ‘not very effective’.

Figure 9: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of improving bus emission standards in AQMA’s

28 IMPROVING PUBLIC TRANSPORT – as detailed below, the highest percentage of respondents 28 (29.8%) commented that this measure would ‘not be very effective’, however, 21 (22.3%) felt that it would be ‘very effective’.

Figure 10: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of improving public transport in AQMA’s

ENSURE OUR VEHICLES USE LOW EMISSION FUEL – around 38% of respondents felt that this measure would be effective with 16 (17%) stating ‘75% effective’ and 20 (21.4%) ‘very effective’. However, a fairly high percentage don’t feel this would be effective with 18 (19.1%) stating ‘not very effective’ and 10 (10.6%) ‘25% effective’.

Figure 11: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of ensuring the use of low emission fuels in AQMA’s

29 INTRODUCTION OF PARKING CHARGES – the majority of respondents (60.7%) don’t think that the introduction of parking charges would have an effective impact on the environment with the highest percentage 40 (42.5%) stating ‘not very effective’ and 17 (18.1%) ‘25% effective’. Only a small percentage of respondents 10 (10.6%) felt that this would be ‘very effective’.

Figure 12: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of introducing parking charges in AQMA’s

STRICTER ENFORCEMENT OF PARKING RESTRICTIONS – Slightly over half of respondents (52.2%) don’t feel that this measure would have an effective impact with the highest percentage 32 (34.8%) stating ‘not very effective’ and 16 (17.4%) ‘25% effective’. Only a small percentage of respondents 12 (13%) felt that this would be ‘very effective’.

Figure 13: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of enforcing parking restrictions in AQMA’s

30 ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO USE CARS LESS – with regards to encouraging people to use cars less, the highest percentage of respondents 21 (22.8%) felt that this would ‘not be very effective’, 18 (19.6%) felt it would be ‘50% effective’ and 17 (18.5%) respondents felt it would be ‘very effective’.

Figure 14: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of encouraging people to use their cars less in AQMA’s

PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION ON AIR QUALITY – as detailed in the chart below, a fairly mixed response has been received with regards to the provision of further information with the highest percentage of respondents 20 (21.7%) stating ‘very effective’ and 19 (20.7%) ‘not very effective’.

Figure 15: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of providing more information on Air Quality in AQMA’s

31 REDUCE DUST AND SMOKE EMISSIONS FROM CONSTRUCTION SITES – as detailed below, the highest percentage of respondents 22 (24.5%) feel that this measure is ‘not very effective’, 19 (21.1%) stated that it would be ‘50% effective’ and 16 (17.8%) respondents felt it would be ‘very effective’.

Figure 16: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of tackling smoke and dust emissions from constructions sites in AQMA’s

GUIDANCE ON DOMESTIC COAL OR WOOD BURNERS IN HOMES – the highest percentage of respondents 22 (24.5%) commented that receiving further guidance would only be ‘50% effective’, however, 20 (22.2%) felt this would ‘not be very effective’.

Figure 17: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of providing improved guidance in domestic coal/wood burners in AQMA’S

32 FURTHER RESEARCH INTO POTENTIAL INITIATIVES e.g. TREE PLANTING – as detailed in the chart below, a fairly mixed response has been received with regards to further research into potential initiatives with the highest percentage of respondents 18 (20.5%) stating ‘very effective’ and 16 (18.2%) ‘75% effective’.

Figure 18: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of further research into potential initiatives in AQMA’s

WORK WITH ECO-SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION – the highest percentage of respondents 22 (24.5%) commented that receiving further guidance would only be ‘50% effective’, however, 20 (22.2%) felt this would ‘not be very effective’.

Figure 19:Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of working with Eco- schools in AQMA’s

33 MORE DETAILED AIR QUALITY MONITORING – with regards to more detailed air quality monitoring, the highest percentage of respondents 20 (23.3%) felt that this would be ‘50% effective’, 17 (19.8%) felt it would be ‘very effective’ and 17 (19.8%) respondents answered that they ‘don’t know’.

Figure 20: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of more detailed air quality monitoring in AQMA’s

EXTRA ROAD CLEANING TO WASH AWAY PARTICULATE POLLUTION – the highest percentage of respondents 22 (25.6%) commented that extra road cleaning would be ‘very effective’, however, 18 (20.9%) felt this would ‘not be very effective’.

Figure 21: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of extra road cleaning in AQMA’s

34 7 How often in the past month have you visited the following Air Quality Management areas?

The graph below identifies the levels of visiting to each of the Air Quality Management areas. Individual graphs per area can be found on the following pages.

Figure 22: Survey response detailing how often respondents had visited AQMA’s.

As detailed below, 18 (21.4%) respondents visit Motherwell on a ‘daily’ basis, 12 (14.3%) visit ‘1 – 2 times a week’, 13 (15.5%) ‘1 – 2 times a month’, 9 (10.7%) visit ‘less often’ and the remaining 32 (38.1%) respondents do ‘not visit at all’.

Figure 23: Survey response detailing how often respondents had visited the Motherwell AQMA

35 As detailed below, 21 (25%) respondents visit Chapelhall on a ‘daily’ basis, 5 (6%) visit ‘1 – 2 times a week’, 6 (7.1%) ‘1 – 2 times a month’, 5 (6%) visit ‘less often’ and the remaining 47 (55.9%) respondents do ‘not visit at all’.

Figure 24: Survey response detailing how often respondents had visited the Chapelhall AQMA

As detailed below, 11 (13.1%) respondents visit Whifflet on a ‘daily’ basis, 11 (13.1%) visit ‘1 – 2 times a week’, 7 (8.3%) ‘1 – 2 times a month’, 11 (13.1%) visit ‘less often’ and the remaining 44 (52.4%) respondents do ‘not visit at all’.

Figure 25: Survey response detailing how often respondents had visited the Whifflet AQMA

36 As detailed below, 8 (9.5%) respondents visit Harthill on a ‘daily’ basis, 5 (6%) visit ‘1 – 2 times a week’, 10 (11.9%) ‘1 – 2 times a month’, 5 (6%) visit ‘less often’ and the remaining 56 (66.6%) respondents do ‘not visit at all’.

Figure 26: Survey response detailing how often respondents had visited the Harthill AQMA

8 If you have any other comments Fuel Emissions to make in relation to air quality • I think we can lower the high fuel in North Lanarkshire, please type emissions them here. Information Provision • Like to know more information When asked for further comments with regards to air quality in North Traffic Control Lanarkshire, a total of 10 comments • Less traffic on the main road were received and have been grouped and categorised as Miscellaneous follows: • No • No more comment Air Quality Management Areas • None • Extend scheme to wider areas • Something has to be done such as Airdrie and Coatbridge

Comparison with other Areas in Scotland • The Highlands air quality and places such as Skye is much better than here

Fixed Penalties • Clean up litter and introduce fines for littering and chewing gum

37 5.0 Action Plan Measures

A wide variety of measures aimed at Corporate Plan and the carbon however, is the potential conflict improving air quality within the management agenda the Council is between technologies such as AQMAs as well as the North working on mainstreaming its biomass boilers and local air quality Lanarkshire area as a whole have commitment to Sustainability by management, due to their potential been identified, and are described including it in the Service Planning to cause problems in terms of in detail in this chapter. A number Process and the performance particulate pollution. of Council-wide action plan management systems within the measures have been identified, as Council. This will be done through well as action plan measures the implementation of a Action Plan Measure 2 – specific to each of the four AQMAs. Sustainable Development Delivery North Lanarkshire Council Framework, which is aimed at recognises the benefits of 5.1 Council-Wide Action co-ordinating, rationalising and renewable technologies such Plan Measures focusing the work the Council is as biomass in terms of carbon doing around the outcomes and management, however objectives of the Single Outcome appreciates that they have the North Lanarkshire Council Agreement, Corporate Plan and our potential to have a recognises that there is no quick-fix Key Performance indicators. This detrimental effect on local air available for any of our four will be achieved by setting up quality management, AQMAs, however there is much to specific programme groups looking especially in terms of be gained through the introduction at a series of activities. One such particulate emissions. As of Council-wide measures, which, group will deal with the Climate such, it will be made North although difficult to quantify in Change Action Plan and the topic Lanarkshire Council’s policy terms of their immediate benefit to of air quality will be included within that any Council Service air quality, can have significant the remit of this group. considering installing biomass positive benefits to North boilers, be it in new or in Lanarkshire as a whole, particularly existing buildings will be over the longer term. As the Action Plan Measure 1 – required to approach the Council is the largest employer in Local Air Quality Management Pollution Control team of the area, with a significantly sized will be a key area for inclusion Environmental Services at the vehicle fleet, any measures integral in the new Sustainability design/planning stage of the to the Council can certainly be said working groups to reduce the process to ensure the to have an impact on air quality. potential for conflict of installation is such so as to Positive measures detailed in this interests between measures minimise the effect on local Action Plan clearly demonstrate to combat climate change and air quality. that the Council is leading by local air quality management. example in terms of its commitment to improving local air The Council has purchased a 600cc quality, both within the AQMAs and North Lanarkshire Council electric Smart car. This is currently across the Council area as a whole. recognises the Scottish being piloted by a range of Government’s commitment to the different users in the Council and a 5.1.1 Corporate Action Plan widespread use of renewable report into the pilot study will be Measures energy technology and to this end prepared thereafter. several biomass boilers have thus In response to new Departmental far been installed in certain Council structures, the Council’s Single buildings. Also recognised, Outcome Agreement, the

38 managers. Engine idling has a Action Plan Measure 3 – Action Plan Measure 5 – significant impact both on fuel Following the pilot use of A home flexible-style working costs and also on vehicle exhaust electric vehicles within the for NLC staff will be piloted emissions, so there are both fiscal Council fleet, the outcomes of within certain Departments and environmental benefits from this pilot will be assessed and within the Council, with a the widespread introduction of a feasibility study undertaken view to extending this to the AVLS technology. to determine how electric entire workforce if vehicles could be utilised appropriate. within North Lanarkshire Action Plan Measure 7 – Council North Lanarkshire Council will Pool cars/vans can be used by some introduce a new policy stating employees during the course of that all Council Services will North Lanarkshire Council’s private their working day in order to attend consider the introduction of partnerships are due for renewal in meetings in other buildings, do site Automatic Vehicle Logging 2011. Currently the vehicles used by visits etc. This saves individuals System (AVLS) technology to the Council’s private partnership from using their own cars and it has their vehicles by 2012. contractors are all supplied by the the added advantage of the Council Council itself, and thus the having control over the age and condition, engine standards etc. of condition of vehicles used by Speed limiting has been introduced these vehicles, and consequently employees on Council business. on a number of NLC fleet vans, with their vehicle exhaust emissions can Cleansing taking the lead on this be guaranteed. issue. Speed limiting, in line with Action Plan Measure 6 – the manufacturer’s The Council will undertake a recommendations, has positive Action Plan Measure 4 – feasibility study into the impacts both on safety issues, but Through its procurement introduction and use of pool also on vehicle exhaust emissions, process North Lanarkshire cars for all Council Services, and consequently on fuel costs. Council shall ensure that all with a view to possibly light goods vehicles supplied making the provision of pool by the Council for use by cars a North Lanarkshire Action Plan Measure 8 – external contractors shall be Council policy. North Lanarkshire Council will at least to Euro 4 standard by introduce a policy stating that 2012. all Council Services and 5.1.2 Transport-Related Action contractors with relevant Plan Measures vehicles will consider the As the largest employer in the area, introduction of speed limiters North Lanarkshire Council is Automatic Vehicle Logging System on their vehicles by 2012. contributing to high levels of road (AVLS) technology has been fitted traffic emissions through staff travel to a number of NLC fleet vehicles. to and from work, as well as travel One major advantage of this The North Lanarkshire Council during the course of the working technology is that vehicles can be vehicle fleet is renewed on a rolling, day. The Council is currently tracked, which is useful in the event ongoing basis, with a number of investigating the possibility of of an emergency, breakdown, theft, our vehicles being of a Euro 4 or offering staff the opportunity to or just to check that the driver is Euro 5 engine standard. work from home. This would going where they are meant to be, potentially significantly decrease and when. As well as this it can be the amount of traffic travelling to used to monitor vehicle idling, with work, and also reduce congestion the capacity for reports of excessive at peak times on North engine idling being reported to Lanarkshire’s roads.

39

Action Plan Measure 9 – Action Plan Measure 10 Action Plan Measure 11 – North Lanarkshire Council will – School Travel Plans will be The Council will prepare and ensure that all fleet vehicles prepared for all schools whose implement a Parking will be of at least Euro 4 catchments lie within one of Management Strategy for the engine standard by 2012. the Council’s AQMAs. Council area, which will include the AQMAs.

North Lanarkshire Council employs Parking provision and the incidence two School Travel Coordinators of unauthorised parking, for Travel Plans are currently being who work with individual schools example on double yellow lines, prepared for employees at one of to help them prepare a School zigzag areas, unauthorised car the main Council Offices, Fleming Travel Plan which aims to determine parks etc can encourage car use House, in Cumbernauld. These are and document the safest routes for where other options e.g. public being prepared by the Sustainable children to travel to and from transport may be perfectly suitable. Transport Team using the school in North Lanarkshire. The Such parking has been identified Strathclyde Passenger Transport emphasis is on reducing car use, within the Council’s AQMAs – in (SPT) computer software package focusing on how the children Chapelhall, inadequate parking tailored for this purpose. The Travel would like to travel to school, and provision surrounding the large Plan is essentially a document that why they can’t travel this way – e.g. joint-campus primary schools helps people consider how they walking or cycling. The outcome is creates severe additional currently travel to work as well as a document known as a School congestion, caused by parents outlining more sustainable travel Travel Plan, which details action dropping their children off/picking choices that are available. The points that are then followed up by them up from school. In Whifflet Fleming House Travel Plan is due for the School Travel Coordinators. – cars double-park on Whifflet St to completion during 2010, and Currently this is a voluntary use the local shops. In Motherwell, subsequently will be rolled our to scheme, with the onus being on the parking problems are augmented other Council buildings. Head Teacher of the school to by the fact that Motherwell Station contact the School Travel is a popular park and ride location, Coordinators if they are interested however there is insufficient station Action Plan Measure 12 – in developing a School Travel Plan parking. The Council’s Local The Council will prepare and for their school. There are fourteen Transport Strategy (LTS) has implement Travel Plans for all schools either located in, or within identified that the Council will main Council buildings, and 500 metres of one of the Council’s prepare a Parking Management in particular the Civic Centre AQMAs, and to date, five of these Strategy for the whole North and Dalziel House, which lie schools have School Travel Plans. Lanarkshire area, including the within the Motherwell AQMA The ability to deliver any physical AQMAs. The purpose of the Parking and Coatbridge Area Office, measures identified within the Management Strategy is to Kildonan Street, which lies School Travel Plans will, to a dissuade all-day commuter parking, immediately outside the significant extent, be dependent thereby reducing traffic volumes at Whifflet AQMA. upon whether or not the Scottish peak hours, when air quality is Government continues the Cycling typically most affected, and to help Walking and Safer Streets (CWSS) traffic flow generally within town North Lanarkshire Council operates Grant funding allocation. centres. The Parking Management a car-sharing scheme for Strategy is currently under employees. This has been running preparation and the outcome of the since 2003 however the uptake is exercise will be available in due very low (only 71 employees are course. registered on the car-sharing scheme and only 1 actually uses it to share a journey!).

40 new policies specifically for Air quality of built development. Action Plan Measure 13 – Quality, issues affecting AQMA’s Aspect 3c of the policy, which An awareness-raising exercise will be embedded into the policy addresses energy, resources and will take place informing framework. waste issues to create a employees on, and promoting sustainable development with a the use of, the Council’s The North Lanarkshire Local Plan low ecological footprint seems to car-sharing scheme. introduces the new concept of four be the most appropriate place for Development Strategy Policies Air Quality issues to be (DSPs) that all applications for addressed. 5.1.3 Planning Action Plan planning permission will be subject Measures to if the Local Plan is adopted as expected in 2010. Action Plan Measure 14 It has been recognised that both – Work will continue with the strategic and development • Development Strategy Policy DSP Local Planning Team in order management planning policy has 1 – Amount of Development. to raise the profile of Air the potential to affect local air This refers to supply and Quality and the Council’s quality in a positive way. More demand, ensuring that North AQMAs within the revised specifically, while development Lanarkshire sees the right North Lanarkshire Local Plan. management has an important role amount of development to meet In particular, we will to play, it is really at the strategic its needs. There is no role for Air endeavour to ensure that Air planning stage that development Quality in this section. Quality and AQMAs are can be influenced heavily. As such, • Development Strategy Policy DSP specifically detailed within we have had regular contact with 2 – Location of Development. the Local Plan’s Development the Local Plan team within North This section concerns where Strategy Policies (DSPs) where Lanarkshire Council’s Planning and development takes place. appropriate. Development Service in order to A matrix of location factors is highlight the air quality issues that used to assess the suitability of affect the Council. new development locations for As well as recognising the role of proposals that are not already the Local Planning team in securing The Council’s Local Plan position is identified in Housing or air quality improvements in North currently undergoing revision, Industrial Land Supply. There is Lanarkshire, the Development moving towards a single land use some scope to make reference to Management Planning team also plan covering all of North AQMAs in the Health and Safety have a significant role to play in Lanarkshire. It is due to undergo a criterion although more dialogue ensuring that planning applications Development Plan Examination is needed with the Local Plan that have the potential to adversely beginning December 2009 and be Team in order to discuss the affect air quality, either by adopted during 2010. The North mechanics of this. introducing receptors to an area of Lanarkshire Local Plan has been set • Development Strategy Policy DSP existing poor air quality or by virtue up in order to be able to make the 3 – Impact of Development. This of the development itself leading to transition from a Local Plan under is about mitigating the negative an air quality problem, are dealt the Town and Country Planning impacts of development on with appropriately. This is of (Scotland) Act 1997 to a Local communities. It may be possible particular relevance in areas of Development Plan under the to include AQMA capital AQMAs where air quality would Planning etc. (Scotland) Act 2006. investment (such as junction then become a material As such it is more strategic in realignment or new signalling) consideration. approach than previously, and should there be sufficient priority includes policies addressing in infrastructure improvements. principles/themes as opposed to • Development Strategy Policy DSP specific subjects/topics. Rather than 4 – Quality of Development. This concerns getting the right

41 As part of the public awareness Action Plan Measure 15 campaign on air quality we will Action Plan Measure 18 – Developer’s Guidance for work with the Council’s Educational – North Lanarkshire Council Air Quality will be produced Advisors to include air quality issues will include a condition in the and distributed to all within the school curriculum where school bus contract that all applicants through the appropriate. Work has already buses used to transport Development Management begun on the preparation of children to and from school in Process. This Developer’s supplementary educational North Lanarkshire will be less Guidance will subsequently material on the subject of air than ten years old. be made into formal quality, and once complete this will Supplementary Planning be made available to teachers of the Guidance. appropriate stage of teaching as an additional learning resource. 5.1.5 Protective Services Action Plan Measures 5.1.4 Public Awareness and Education Action Plan Measures Action Plan Measure 17 – It has been firmly accepted that the The Learnskape educational Roads and Transportation and It is felt that the general public have module on air quality will be Pollution Control Local Air Quality an extremely important role to play promoted to schools in North Management functions are in working towards the Lanarkshire, with particular inextricably linked through areas improvement of air quality in North emphasis on schools within such as traffic congestion, speed Lanarkshire. It is hoped that public AQMAs. limits etc. To this end, Pollution awareness of the Council’s air Control made significant comments quality issues may help lead to on the Council’s Local Transport modal shift from car use and North Lanarkshire Council provides Strategy and representatives from people’s dependence on the car, to transport for 9500 school children Roads and Transportation have had greater use of more sustainable throughout the district, including significant input to this Air Quality modes of transport, such as public both mainstream and additional Action Plan. transport, walking and cycling. support needs pupils. This is done through a combination of school buses and private contractors. Action Plan Measure 19 Action Plan Measure 16 – School buses are arranged through – Work will continue to We will prepare an information Strathclyde Partnership Transport ensure that the Local DVD on air quality in North (SPT), similar to other local Transport Strategy and other Lanarkshire to increase public authorities in the area, however strategic Roads and awareness of air quality issues. North Lanarkshire Council also have Transportation documents This DVD will be played in the the discretion to add their own and initiatives will work plasma screens in school dining conditions, particularly to the hand-in-hand and halls throughout North school bus contracts where they complement the Council’s Air Lanarkshire. It will also to be feel it is appropriate. School buses Quality Action Plan. played in First Stop Shops, the are often old, given that they have A working group will be receptions of the main Council the potential to undergo certain formed in order to look at buildings and anywhere else levels of vandalism, not to mention areas of joint-working and suitable, as part of public heavy wear and tear. As such, older joint funding avenues will be awareness exercise. vehicles are likely to have older further explored. style engine standards and as a result have the potential to cause significant amounts of harmful exhaust emissions.

42 The Council has been undertaking can accurately say which areas of Vehicle Emission Testing (VET) our district are problematic. Never Action Plan Measure 23 – within the AQMAs (as well as in ones to be complacent, however, it Key messages in relation to other parts of the district) since is now felt that the time has come Air Quality, including vehicle 2006. To date, 5995 vehicles have to undertake a complete review of idling and emission testing been stopped and tested, with 64 our monitoring locations, both for checks, will be advertised on resulting in Fixed Penalty Notices our passive and our automatic the back of every van to being served. In addition to this, in monitors in order that we can begin develop public awareness and 2008 the Council began a scheme to investigate other potential encourage public of Vehicle Idling Enforcement. This problem areas throughout North participation. has primarily been focused on Lanarkshire. outside schools and educational establishments. To date, 44 schools 5.2 Action Plan Measures have been targeted with 71 drivers Action Plan Measure 21 – – Motherwell AQMA receiving warnings and 0 drivers The Council will undertake a being served with fixed penalty complete review of our air The Motherwell AQMA comprised notices for vehicle idling. quality monitoring locations two monitoring stations, situated at and make any alterations the Civic Centre (Windmillhill deemed necessary in pursuit Street) and Merry Street. It was felt Action Plan Measure 20 – of our statutory air quality that one AQMA which includes The VET exercise will continue duties. both monitoring sites would ensure to be run within the AQMAs, the least confusion. As is the as well as the North scenario for the other AQMAs there Lanarkshire Council area as a North Lanarkshire Council is no clear solution to the elevated whole. recognises the importance of PM10 levels in Motherwell Town joint-agency working, particularly Centre and continued monitoring In terms of Vehicle idling in today’s era of Better Regulation subsequent to declaration of the Enforcement – this will also and Best Value. AQMA has justified out decision to continue ensuring that all declare the AQMA in this location. schools within, or within 500 metres of the Council’s Action Plan Measure 22 Motherwell Town Centre remains a AQMAs will be the subject of – North Lanarkshire Council very busy town centre, with a high a Vehicle Idling Enforcement will work with the Scottish volume of traffic as well as a major campaign. Environment Protection supermarket development and also Agency (SEPA) in pursuance a busy train station which serves of our air quality statutory the West Coast Main Line, among North Lanarkshire Council has duties. other routes. embraced their air quality function and duties with gusto over the As well as the existing Motherwell years, such that we have an Vehicles used by Protective Services Town Centre, to the north of the extensive monitoring network in to deliver various services to the town lies the largely vacant place throughout the district. Not public – animal welfare, will be Ravenscraig development site. being a council who shies away used to advertise a number of This site is at an early stage in its from taking action, rather, we have strong environmental messages to construction, with many variables proven that we are confident in raise public awareness of air quality and question marks over when and pursuing our statutory aims and issues in relation to vehicle idling how the site will be developed. objectives, in the ever-expanding and emission testing. While there is obviously a amount of air quality work we are Environmental Protection and Pest Masterplan for the site, there are involved in and now feel that we Control – travel throughout North only a few areas of the site under Lanarkshire Council on a daily basis.

43 development at the time of writing Roundabout. Traffic modelling options for improvement, which and it is largely envisaged that the work for this location has indicated would then require the site will develop over the life span a likelihood that widening this identification of funding options. of the Air Quality Action Plan. stretch of road will reduce traffic However, the rate of development, congestion in this location, thereby particularly in the current reducing road traffic emissions and Action Plan Measure 26 downward economic climate improving air quality in the area. – North Lanarkshire Council cannot easily be predicted. The project requires further will look at other road feasibility work as well as the junctions in the Motherwell A significant part of the Ravenscraig identification of funding options. AQMA where similar redevelopment will involve the The transport infrastructure works interventions could be access roads for the site, as well as would be a medium to long-term implemented to improve within the site. Due to its very close proposal, as they would be traffic flow and reduce proximity to the Motherwell dependent upon the pace of congestions and road traffic AQMA, additional traffic as a result development in the immediate emissions. of the Ravenscraig development site vicinity, as well as the identification will impact on air quality within the of funding. This work, however, area. To this end, work including has not been progressed further at Strathclyde Passenger Transport predictive traffic modelling has the time of writing, due to the (SPT) recently commissioned a already been undertaken by the Council’s other financial STAG Part 2 Appraisal for Council’s Roads and Transportation commitments. Motherwell Transport Interchange. Department to assist in planning This identified a package of and designing the road network improvements to upgrade the within and accessing the Action Plan Measure 25 – Motherwell rail interchange, Ravenscraig site. The work has The Council will revisit the including a new rail station indicated increases in traffic on the option of widening the A721, building, adjacent disabled parking B754 Airbles Road and A721 Windmillhill Street, in provision, a car drop-off point, taxi Windmillhill Street (east of Airbles deciding future budget rank, bus/taxi shelter, road access Road) areas of the Motherwell spending options in the improvements in and around the AQMA. coming years. station, with the completion of the Motherwell Town Centre ring road, as well as a multi-storey P&R car Action Plan Measure 24 – New traffic signals have been park. Unfortunately, however, The Council will work to installed at Range Road, neither SPT nor North Lanarkshire achieve a viable solution to Motherwell, which, at the time of Council have the financial resources possible congestion, and thus their installation were linked to to be able to commit to this plan at increased road traffic existing traffic signals at Shields this time or in the immediate future. emissions associated with the Road and Jack Street junctions ongoing development of the (immediately adjacent to the Ravenscraig site. Motherwell AQMA). This, in Action Plan Measure 27 – conjunction with associated The Council will support the carriageway widening has reconsideration of the A feasibility study has been carried decreased congestion in the area, Motherwell Transport out and preliminary designs drawn thus reducing road traffic emissions Interchange Project at the up looking at the widening of the and potentially leading to an time of the new rail franchise A721 Windmillhill Street (within improvement in local air quality. being let (in 2017). and adjacent to the Motherwell The traffic micro-simulation model Town Centre AQMA) along its covering the town centre area will length to the Flemington be completed to help identify other

44 5.3 Action Plan Measures A developer-led connecting road is at Shawhead. This is a particular – Whifflet, Coatbridge planned, running from the existing problem adjacent to the Jet Petrol Greenend roundabout on the B753 Station and Renault/Nissan garage. AQMA Calder Street (which currently runs To address this issue, parking east from Whifflet Cross towards restrictions are proposed along The Whifflet AQMA essentially Coatdyke joining to Carnbroe sections of Whifflet Street. The comprises the A725 and is one of Road). This initiative is directly traffic-signal controlled Whifflet the main distributor roads serving linked to residential construction Cross junction frequently junction 7 of the M8 motorway, as projects and at the time of writing experiences significant queue well as the A725 Bellshill Bypass has been half-completed. lengths on all approaches, down to the Raith Interchange, therefore Roads and Transportation junction 5 of the M74 motorway. will investigate potential further It is a two-lane road, approximately Action Plan Measure 29 – improvements to the traffic signals’ 1 mile in length (within the AQMA The Council will endorse this operation, as well as examine boundary) with a busy intersection developer-led project, with a options to alter the junction layout around halfway along its length. view to encouraging similar and/ or the present right-turn Surrounding this intersection is a projects in the future. manoeuvres. local high street with a number of small businesses, with two-storey buildings on one side of the road A problem had been identified with Action Plan Measure 31 – and two tower block buildings on cars parking and double-parking The Roads and Transportation the other side of the road. Closer to outside the shops and businesses Department of the Council the M8 motorway junction the road on Whifflet Street, in order for the are currently looking to becomes heavily congested with motorists to quickly go into the impose parking restrictions in traffic trying to access the shop for a few minutes. This had this area in order to improve motorway and the Bellshill bypass. the effect of reducing areas of the traffic flow, and thus improve Residential housing runs the length road to a single lane, thus creating air quality in this area, as well of this stretch of the road. additional congestion on an already as re-examine the phasing of busy stretch of road. the traffic signals at Whifflet Although there is no quick-fix Cross. solution to the Whifflet AQMA, the planned upgrade of the M8/A8, Action Plan Measure 30 – which is due to take place over the The Council is in the process coming years will have a significant 5.4 Action Plan Measures of completing a new car park impact on air quality in this area. – Chapelhall AQMA to the rear of the shops on The motorway upgrade will involve Whifflet Street, in order to significant alterations to the Chapelhall is a large village on the encourage customers to park existing junctions, therefore on/off outskirts of the Airdrie/Coatbridge behind the shops, thus options for motorists will be conurbation. In recent years is has ensuring both lanes are altered. This will have a knock-on been the site of a substantial private available for traffic. effect on traffic using the Whifflet housing development and area to join/leave the motorway. continues to be an attractive residential location due to its In the area of Whifflet Street, close proximity to the M8 motorway, and to the M8 motorway junction Action Plan Measure 28 the fact it is almost equidistant from (Shawhead) there are a significant - North Lanarkshire Council Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling. number of cars parked on the dual will support the Transport Chapelhall also has a reasonably- carriageway. This has the effect of Scotland-led M8/A8 sized industrial estate which is reducing stretches of the road to a Completion Project. known to generate local HGV single lane, thus causing traffic traffic. It also has a large joint- congestion back to the roundabout

45 campus primary school. All these indicated that they have no contributory factors lead to the fact Action Plan Measure 32 – objections regarding this proposal; that Chapelhall has a lot of local The Council will duly consider however, we will be required to traffic, as well as being a connector the outcome of the A73 STAG forward the formal necessary route for traffic wanting to reach Assessment and subsequently papers and plans when we are in a the M8 for Glasgow/Edinburgh, take whatever actions are position to request a formal and the A73 to get to the A80 for deemed necessary and reclassification. Stirling. This traffic is funnelled feasible, with the aim of through a very busy road junction, reducing congestion and Main Street/Lauchope Street, with consequently improving air Action Plan Measure 33 – residential receptors in immediate quality within the Chapelhall The Council will work to proximity and this is where our AQMA. ensure declassification of the continuous air quality monitor has B799 Lauchope Street and the been sited for the past few years. upgrade of Lancaster Avenue There is some anecdotal evidence adjacent to the Chapelhall Similarly to the other AQMAs there to suggest that some traffic is using AQMA. is no clear solution for improving air the A73 through Chapelhall as a quality within the Chapelhall means of avoiding possible AQMA. congestion on the M8, while trying The main junction that is at the to reach the A80 and vice versa. centre of the Chapelhall AQMA is The Council’s Roads and This may be because the route is currently controlled by traffic lights, Transportation Department has being highlighted on Satellite as this has been found to be the commissioned a STAG Appraisal on Navigation equipment. It has been option which favours the least the A73 as a whole (which will suggested that if the B799 congestion in the area. Work is include the Chapelhall AQMA area). Lauchope Street, Chapelhall is underway, however, to revisit The scope of the STAG is to look at declassified from a B road to a options for this junction, which ways of reducing congestion on the Minor road then it will show up as a may include junction widening or A73 and it will look at all available less favourable option on this type altering the traffic light phasing, options – including road provision, of equipment, and therefore traffic etc. bypass possibility, public transport, levels on this road may reduce. journey details etc. However, there A complementary action would Junction widening or similar is presently no funding available for also be to upgrade the adjacent infrastructure works that may any major infrastructure works, Lancaster Avenue to a 40-mile per require land out with the road therefore delivery would be hour speed limit, thus making it a boundary would involve the dependent upon future developer more attractive option and hence identification of any land-take and partner funding contributions. removing traffic from the busy requirements and the The study will also take account of Main Street/Lauchope Street consequential land-take costs, as the Airdrie-Bathgate rail link which junction. well as the identification of funding. is currently under construction. The works would include preparing a new traffic-routing sign design, Action Plan Measure 34 – plus the preparation of a cost The Council will once again estimate for the signing alterations revisit and review potential as well as the identification of junction improvements for funding source. the junction of Lauchope Street/Main Street within the The Enterprise, Transport and Chapelhall AQMA. Lifelong Learning section within the Scottish Government have

46 5.5 Action Plan Measures Harthill AQMA, since another the land owner requested that the – Harthill AQMA potential source does exist – the continuous monitor be removed M8 motorway. This section of the from his land. This was done The Harthill AQMA lies between motorway between Glasgow and recently and after some difficulty a Tam’s Loup Quarry, on the B7066 Edinburgh carries an annual new site has been found. The Hirst Road, Harthill, and the M8 average daily traffic flow of 56,738 monitor is now in place at the new motorway (between junctions 5 (2007 figures). This traffic will site. and 6). The monitoring station was, generate PM10, both primary from until recently, placed on an area of vehicle exhaust emissions private land which served as an themselves, as well as secondary Action Plan Measure 36 – unofficial lorry park. Around ten PM10 from resuspended tyre and Due to the forced relocation residential properties exist adjacent brake dust etc. of the continuous air quality to the monitoring site. monitor at the Hirst Road, Harthill AQMA, the Council Tam’s Loup Quarry comprises an Action Plan Measure 35 – are reviewing the results, opencast quarry and a roadstone The Council will commission a looking at them in coating plant. The roadstone Speciation Study in the area conjunction with the location coating plant supplies ready-to-use of the Harthill AQMA in order of adjacent sources and road-coating materials direct to the to determine further receptors. Once road-building/repair trade. This information on the exact type representative monitoring plant is a Permitted Installation, of PM10 arising in the area. data has been obtained from under the Pollution Prevention and Subsequently this will enable the new monitoring location Control (Scotland) Regulations accurate source the Council will review the 2000 and is authorised by the apportionment of PM10 necessity and boundary issues Scottish Environment Protection within the AQMA. arising from the new Agency (SEPA). The plant comprises information attained primary, secondary and tertiary regarding the AQMA. Any crushers, as well as screening Until recently, the Council’s necessary alterations will be equipment. In terms of particulate continuous air quality monitor at carried out at that time. arrestment, the plant includes Harthill was sited on private land. reverse jet bag filters fitted to the Due to a change of use of the land, inclined rotary drum dryer.

The quarrying activities are largely completed onsite and the site is progressing through its restoration phase. At the time of writing, however, the quarry operators were seeking planning approval to remove the roadstone coating plant and quarry the area underneath. It is anticipated that once this work is complete, the quarry will cease to operate.

The quarry cannot definitively be said to be solely responsible for exceedances of the 2010 PM10 annual mean objective at the

47 6.0 Evaluation of Action Plan Measures

Once potential action plan cost-effectiveness analysis. A expenditure from central measures have been identified, it is scoping assessment, therefore, has Government (£500k+) important to evaluate the been undertaken of each action effectiveness of each measure and plan measure. The engineering/technical to assess the economic cost of each feasibility of each project has been measure to determine its cost The scoring of each option has estimated. The level of difficulty has effectiveness. The practicalities of been undertaken based on the been estimated depending on the introducing each measure, as well experience and judgement. The level of specific technical support as the political of likely level of scores are not intended as absolute required from outside agencies or public acceptance should also be values, rather are indicative of the departments. The four specified assessed in evaluating each relative viability of each option. grades are: measure. Finally, any potential for A No perceived difficulties. Project adverse effects on other The improvement to air quality has could be achieved by environmental or social aspects been scored on four grades: Environmental Health should also be considered. A Negative or neutral effect on air department. quality B Some perceived difficulties. Defra and the devolved B Slight positive effect on air Specialist technical assistance administrations have issued quality (non-measurable will be required. Cross Council practical guidance on Economic reduction in pollutant department working. Principles for the Assessment of concentrations) C Technically specified. Project led Local Measures to Improve Air C Positive effect on air quality by technical specialists. Limited Quality. The guidance advises a two (<5% reduction in pollutant Environmental Health stage process, the initial stage of concentrations) involvement. which is to undertake a scoping D Highly positive effect on air D Technically complex programme, assessment of each measure quality (>10% reduction in large scale design project against: pollutant concentrations) required. • estimation of benefits (including consideration of the potential The anticipated cost of each Further assessment of measures economic benefits of emissions measure has also been scored on with respect to public acceptability and air quality improvements); four grades. The banding costs has been made with reference to • estimation of cost is then have been derived as best estimates the responses received in the public explained; and and do not represent precise consultation. Each measure has also • weighted consideration of other budgets. The bandings are as been reviewed to identify any relevant issues such as follows: corresponding impacts on other practicality, including legal, A Modest cost (<£1k) that could be environmental or social issues. The technical and social barriers. met out of general department evaluation of each action plan budgets measure is summarised in the Table Once the measures have been B Substantial cost that could be below. strategically review or scoped the met by allocated funding or guidance recommends undertaking specific funding bid to Scottish Overall, most measures can be detailed analysis of the cost- Government (<£50k) implemented directly by North benefits of implementing each C Expensive project that would Lanarkshire Council and are within measure. The various measures require specific budgeted achievable budgets. No significant outlined in this Action Plan are not, funding (<£500k) adverse environmental or social in the main, sufficiently detailed or D Major infrastructure project that impacts are predicted because of specific enough to allow a detailed would require significant capital the implementation of any of the action plan measures.

48 Environmental/ social impacts None Potential –ve climate change climate+ve change noise+ve climate+ve change None climate+ve change climate+ve change Slight climate +ve change road+ve safety Feasibility A B B B A B B B Public Acceptable Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Anticipated Cost A A B B A C B B Air Quality Improvement A A A/B B A B B A Implementation Date Jan 2010 April 2010 2010 2012 April 2010 Oct 2010 2012 2012 Action Measure Plan Council-wide measures Introduction1. of LAQM to Council Sustainability Working Groups Development2. of policy Council on air quality and bioenergy implementation Pilot study3. on use of electric vehicles in council fleet shall Council ensure that4. light all goods vehicles supplied by the Council for useexternal by contractors shall be leastat 4 standard to Euro by 2012 Introduction5. of pilot studies on flexible working system for staff Council Feasibility6. study the into introduction and use of pool cars Services Council to consider7. the introduction of Automatic Vehicle Logging System (AVLS) technology to their vehicles 2012 by 8. Introduction of policy stating that Services Council all and contractors with relevant vehicles will consider and work towards the introduction of speed limiters on their vehicles 2012 by Table 4: Evaluation 4: Table of the Air Quality Action Plan measures

49 Environmental/ social impacts climate+ve change climate+ve change health+ve benefits None climate+ve change health+ve benefits climate+ve change None None Feasibility B B B B B A A Public Acceptable Yes Yes Mixed Yes Yes Yes Yes Anticipated Cost C B/C D B B A A Air Quality Improvement B B B B B B A/B Implementation Date 2012 Ongoing 2011-2014 2010-2015 Apr 2010 Apr 2010 Jan 2010 Action Measure Plan that Ensure Council fleet all 9. vehicles will be of at least 4 engine Euro standard by 2012 Preparation10. offor Plans School Travel schoolsall whose catchments lie within AQMAsone of the , through Council’s joint working with Learning & Leisure Services, subject to continuation of Scottish Walking Government Cycling, and Safer Streets Grant funding Preparation and implementation11. of a Parking Management Strategy for the area, Council which will include the AQMAs Preparation and12. implementation of travel plans for main all buildings Council Awareness-raising exercise13. informing employees and on, promoting the use of, car-sharing schemethe Council’s Work with the Local14. Planning Team to raise the profile of air quality and endeavour to ensure that air quality is specifically detailed within the Local Plan’s Development Strategy Policies (DSPs) where appropriate Produce and distribute15. Developer’s Guidance for Air leading Quality, to formal status as Supplementary Planning Guidance

50 Environmental/ social impacts None None climate+ve change road+ve safetyF None climate+ve change None Environmental/ social impacts climate +ve change climate +ve change health+ve benefits None climate +ve change health+ve benefits climate +ve change None None Feasibility B B B B A A Feasibility B B B B B A A Public Acceptable Yes Yes Yes Yes (mixed) Yes Yes Public Acceptable Yes Yes Mixed Yes Yes Yes Yes Anticipated Cost B A B/C A B A Air Quality Improvement A A B A B A Implementation Date Oct 2010 Aug 2010 As renewals occur Oct 2010 Jan 2010 Jan 2010

Action Measure Plan Prepare an information16. DVD on air quality in North Lanarkshire to increase public awareness of air quality issues Promote Learnskape educational 17. module on air quality to schools in North Lanarkshire, with particular emphasis on schools within AQMA Include a condition18. in the school bus contract that buses all used to transport children to and from school in North Lanarkshire will be less than ten years old Formation of working group 19. to ensure that the Local Transport Strategy and other strategic Roads and Transportation documents and initiatives will work hand-in-hand and complement Air Qualitythe Council’s Action Plan vehicle Continuation20. of Council’s emissions testing campaign and implementation of vehicle idling enforcement schools at all within 500m of an AQMA, work plus with SPT to enforce emissions testing on buses routed through AQMAs Undertake21. a complete review of our air quality monitoring locations and alterations any make deemed necessary in pursuit of our statutory air quality duties Action Measure Plan that Ensure Council fleet all 9. vehicles will be of at least 4 engine Euro standard by 2012 Preparation10. offor Plans School Travel schoolsall whose catchments lie within AQMAsone of the , through Council’s joint working with Learning & Leisure Services, subject to continuation of Scottish Walking Government Cycling, and Safer Streets Grant funding Preparation and implementation11. of a Parking Management Strategy for the area, Council which will include the AQMAs Preparation and12. implementation of travel plans for main all buildings Council Awareness-raising exercise13. informing employees and on, promoting the use of, car-sharing schemethe Council’s Work with the Local14. Planning Team to raise the profile of air quality and endeavour to ensure that air quality is specifically detailed within the Local Plan’s Development Strategy Policies (DSPs) where appropriate Produce and distribute15. Developer’s Guidance for Air leading Quality, to formal status as Supplementary Planning Guidance

51 Environmental/ social impacts None None - Potential minor loss of habitat None Feasibility A B C B / C B Public Acceptable Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Anticipated Cost A B B / C D D D Air Quality Improvement A/B A A (prevent deterioration) - B Implementation Date Ongoing Apr 2010 Apr 2017 As required Oct 2011 Action Measure Plan Work22. with the Scottish Environment Protection in pursuance Agency (SEPA) of our air quality statutory duties Advertisement23. of air key quality messages on back of vehicles Council Motherwell AQMA specific measures Work to achieve a viable24. solution to possible congestion, and thus increased road traffic emissions associated with the ongoing development of the Ravenscraig site Revisit25. the option of widening the Windmillhill Street,A721, in deciding future budget spending options in the coming years. The project requires further feasibility work as aswell the identification of funding options. The transport infrastructure works are a medium to long-term proposal, dependent upon the pace of development timescales. Complete the26. traffic micro- simulation model in the centre town area to evaluate road junctions in the Motherwell AQMA where new and linked traffic signals be could implemented traffic to improve flow and reduce congestions and road traffic emissions, which be would dependent upon identifying suitable funding options

52 Environmental/ social impacts No direct impacts of support No direct impacts of support No direct impacts of support Minor habitat loss Potential adverse economic effect on shops None Feasibility D D C C B Public Acceptable Yes Yes Unknown Yes Unknown Anticipated Cost C / D D D C C Air Quality Improvement B / C A / C A / C B B Implementation Date Not programmed Ongoing Ongoing Oct 2010 Oct 2011 Action Measure Plan Support reconsideration27. of The Motherwell Transport Interchange Project at the time of the new rail Presently, franchise being let (in 2014). no funding is available for these works. Whifflet AQMA specific measures Support28. the Transport Scotland-led Completion ProjectM8/A8 Endorse developer-led29. project to introduce new connector road between existing Greenend roundabout on the Calder Street and CarnbroeB753 Road Create30. car park to the rear of the shops on Whifflet Street Impose parking restrictions31. in Shawhead in order totraffic improve and thus plus air improve quality, flow, investigate potential alterations to the traffic signals’ phasing at Whifflet Cross and examine options to alter right-turn manoeuvres.

53 Environmental/ social impacts No direct impacts from study None May require land take None None Feasibility C / D B B / C A A Public Acceptable Unknown Unknown Mixed - - Anticipated Cost D C C B A Air Quality Improvement A (scheme have could significant effects) B B A A Implementation Date Not programmed Oct 2011 Not programmed Apr 2010 Apr 2010 Action Measure Plan Chapelhall AQMA specific measures Duly consider32. outcome of A73 AssessmentSTAG and subsequently take whatever actions be may feasible, dependent upon securing developer and partner funding, with the aim of reducing congestion and consequently improving air quality within the Chapelhall AQMA. Work to ensure declassification33. of the LauchopeB799 Street and the upgrade of Lancaster adjacent Avenue to the Chapelhall AQMA, subject to developing sign design and identifying funding. Revisit34. and review potential junction improvements for the junction of Lauchope Street/Main Street, examining possibleany land take requirements and identifying funding options. Harthill AQMA specific measures Commission a Speciation35. Study in the area of the Harthill AQMA in order to determine further information on the exact arising type in the area. of PM10 Review36. monitoring data from relocated monitoring site and evaluate potential changes to the layout accordingly

54 7.0 Monitoring and evaluation of action plan

The Council will continue to The individual measures contained be assessed and reported. monitor air quality within each of within the Action Plan will be It is intended that the Action Plan the AQMAs to determine the monitored on an annual basis and will be an evolutionary process improvements achieved by the the progress evaluated and which will develop as other Council Action Plan measures. The reported in the relevant annual policies and plans and development improvements will be monitored LAQM reports. A number of the proposals change or are on an ongoing basis, however the action measures refer to introduced. The Action Plan will be overall improvement to air quality undertaking pilot or feasibility reviewed on an annual basis and will only be accurately determined studies. Following the completion new measures introduced where over an extended period as weather of each of these studies the appropriate. and other factors can lead to feasibility of introducing the inter-annual variation in pollutant measures on a wider scale should concentrations.

55 Appendix 1: Maps of Air Quality Management Areas

Harthill Air Quality Management Area Chapelhall Air Quality Management Area

56 Motherwell Air Quality Management Area

Whifflet Air Quality Management Area

57 Appendix 2: List of tables

Table 1: Estimated annual mean background PM10 concentrations in each AQMAs (µg/m3), 2010 Table 2: Measured Annual Mean PM10 concentrations within each AQMA 2005 – 08 (µg/m3) Table 3: STANDpoint survey returns per AQMA Table 4: Evaluation of the Air Quality Action Plan measures

58 Appendix 3: List of figures

Figure 1: Estimated annual mean background concentration maps of PM10 (µg/m3) Figure 2: Contribution of differing emission sources to measured annual mean PM10 concentrations within each AQMA 2008 Figure 3: Survey response rating air quality in North Lanarkshire Figure 4: Survey response identifying source contribution to poor Air Quality in North Lanarkshire Figure 5: Survey response comparing Air Quality in North Lanarkshire with the rest of Scotland Figure 6: Survey response regarding awareness of Air Quality Management areas in North Lanarkshire Figure 7: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of vehicle exhaust emission testing in AQMA’s Figure 8: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of vehicle idling enforcement in AQMA’s Figure 9: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of improving bus emission standards in AQMA’s Figure 10: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of improving public transport in AQMA’s Figure 11: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of ensuring the use of low emission fuels in AQMA’s Figure 12: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of introducing parking charges in AQMA’s Figure 13: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of enforcing parking restrictions in AQMA’s Figure 14: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of encouraging people to use their cars less in AQMA’s Figure 15: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of providing more information on Air Quality in AQMA’s Figure 16: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of tackling smoke and dust emissions from constructions sites in AQMA’s Figure 17: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of providing improved guidance in domestic coal/wood burners in AQMA’S Figure 18: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of further research into potential initiatives in AQMA’s Figure 19: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of working with Eco-schools in AQMA’s Figure 20: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of more detailed air quality monitoring in AQMA’s Figure 21: Survey response outlining respondents views on the effectiveness of extra road cleaning in AQMA’s Figure 22: Survey response detailing how often respondents had visited AQMA’s. Figure 23: Survey response detailing how often respondents had visited the Motherwell AQMA Figure 24: Survey response detailing how often respondents had visited the Chapelhall AQMA Figure 25: Survey response detailing how often respondents had visited the Whifflet AQMA Figure 26: Survey response detailing how often respondents had visited the Harthill AQMA

59 Appendix 4:

Street/postcode:

Name: Tel:

Age: under 16 17-60 61+

Air Quality Management - Public Consultation Please be assured any information you provide will be treated in confidence and results only published in summary form. Anything you don’t wish to answer, please just skip to the next question.

1 How do you rate air quality in this area of North Lanarkshire? (tick one only)

Very good Average Very poor Good Poor Don’t know

If you said poor or very poor please go to Q2, if not continue to Q3

2 Which of these do you think contribute most to poor air quality in this area? (please tick all that apply)

Agriculture Commercial activities (eg construction sites)

Industry Domestic activities (eg coal fires)

Quarries/landfill/mining activities Road traffic (cars, buses, HGVs)

Other transport sources (eg diesel trains) Don’t know

Other (please specify)

3 How do you think air quality in this part of North Lanarkshire compares with the rest of the West of Scotland? (please tick one only)

Better than most areas About the same as other areas

Worse than most other areas Don’t know/not sure

60 4 Are you aware that North Lanarkshire Council has declared Air Quality Management Areas in areas of Chapelhall?

Yes No

5 On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being not very effective, to 5 being very effective) how would you rate the following measures in helping to improve air quality within North Lanarkshire?

Transport ___ Increase vehicle exhaust emission testing ___ Enforce fixed penalty notices for idling vehicles ___ Improve emission standards for buses operating within North Lanarkshire ___ Improve public transport throughout the district ___ Provide more information on air quality to people of North Lanarkshire to help them choose their preferred mode of travel based on this ___ Encourage people to use cars less, especially for short local journeys ___ North Lanarkshire Council to lead by ensuring all Council vehicles use the lowest emission fuels available ___ Introduction of parking charges in areas of poorest air quality ___ Stricter enforcement of parking restrictions, particularly on busy roads with double yellow lines etc.

Residential and industrial ___ Reduce dust and smoke emissions from construction sites ___ More information and guidance for households using domestic coal or wood burners (eg Smoke Control Areas) ___ More detailed air quality monitoring sources of air pollutants in North Lanarkshire

Initiatives ___ Further research into initiatives for reducing air pollution, eg tree planting ___ Work with Eco-schools and Education to promote the clean air message to the children of North Lanarkshire ___ More guidance on air quality provided for project developers. ___ Extra road cleaning to miminise dust on roads and pavements.

6 How often in the past month have you passed through the following Air Quality Management Area? (please tick as appropriate)

Chapelhall (road/area tbs)

Daily 1-2 times week 1-2 times month less often not at all

61 Have you any other comments to make about air quality in North Lanarkshire?

Thank you very much for your help. We hope to publish key findings from this in the autumn 09 North Lanarkshire News.

62 63 www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk