North Council Air Quality Action Plan 2013-2016 ENS_00945 07.2013 2 Contents

Executive Summary 4 1.0 Introduction 5 2.0 The local Air Quality Management Process in 6 2.1 Background 6 2.2 Monitoring Data 2.2.1 Background concentrations in North Lanarkshire 2.2.2 Monitoring of PM10 in North Lanarkshire 2.3 Detailed Assessment in North Lanarkshire 2.3.1 Detailed Assessment 2.3.2 Croy Detailed Assessment 2.4 Further Assessment in North Lanarkshire 2.4.1 Harthill AQMA Further Assessment 2.5 Emissions Inventory 2.6 Previous Action Plan Measures – Progress 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 Plan 19 3.5 Planned Developments in North Lanarkshire Affecting the AQMA’s 20 4.0 Consultation 23 4.1 Public Consultation Exercise 24 4.3 Stakeholder Consultation Event 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 Action Plan Measures 40 5.1.3 Protective Services Action Plan Measures 42 5.1.4 5.1.4 Education Action Plan Measures 43 5.1.5 5.1.5 Roads Strategy and Safety Action Plan Measures 43 5.1.6 Planning Action Plan Measures 5.2 Action Plan Measures – AQMA 44 5.3 Action Plan Measures – Chapelhall AQMA 5.4 Action Plan Measures – Whifflet AQMA 5.5 Action Plan Measures – Moodiesburn AQMA 5.6 Action Plan Measures – Croy AQMA 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: Questionnaire from Public Consultation

3 Executive Summary

Under the 1995 Environment Act and subsequent Since the publication of the previous action plan, in air quality regulations made there under, North 2010 there have been several changes to the air quality Lanarkshire Council has a duty to prepare an Air management areas in North Lanarkshire and it was Quality Action Plan in order to address areas of air therefore felt appropriate to update the air quality quality in North Lanarkshire which fail to meet the action plan to reflect this, and also to build on the national air quality objectives. This is as a result progress made with the action plan measures from of monitoring in these areas and the subsequent the first action plan. This updated air quality action declaration of Air Quality Management Areas. North plan again includes a range of Council-wide measures Lanarkshire Council has five Air Quality Management that will directly improve air quality throughout North Areas, in Lanarkshire, as well as including action plan measures specific to each Air Quality Management Area. The • Motherwell Town Centre actions aim to strike a balance between the direct and • Whifflet, indirect costs of taking action and the benefit realised • Chapelhall in terms of improved air quality. Examples of action plan measures in the updated action plan include: • Croy • Further reducing emissions from Council-controlled • Moodiesburn vehicles, through the continued roll-out of pool cars All of the Air Quality Management Areas have been and electric vehicles declared as a result of exceedances of the annual mean • Measures aimed at improving the standard of public air quality objective for particulate (PM10) pollution. transport in North Lanarkshire, for example through The Action plan identifies a range of measures which the consideration of the introduction of Statutory the Council, in partnership with the community Quality Bus Partnerships and other stakeholders, have developed in order to • Greater awareness and alignment of the Council’s improve air quality within the Air Quality Management work in terms of its commitment to carbon Areas and throughout the wider North Lanarkshire reduction and local air quality management Council area. Because of the nature of the challenge facing North Lanarkshire Council, a number of the • The development of an air quality education action plan measures are wide-ranging and long-term, package for schools in North Lanarkshire as opposed to short-term quick fixes. The measures In addition to the measures themselves, the updated do, however, demonstrate North Lanarkshire Council’s air quality action plan also includes an evaluation of continued commitment to working towards improving the actions detailed and an estimation of the potential air quality for the residents of North Lanarkshire improvements they bring to addressing air quality and those who visit or work in the area. The Council in North Lanarkshire. Monitoring and re-evaluating prepared and published its first Air Quality Action Plan these actions will be the key to long term air quality in 2010 and this document contained thirty-six action improvements in North Lanarkshire. plan measures. Of these, thirty-five of the measures have been either completed or are ongoing.

4 1.0 Introduction

The fourth largest local authority in , North Lanarkshire Council is situated in central Scotland, between and . It includes the medium to large towns of Motherwell, , Airdrie, Coatbridge, , and and has a population of approximately 337,800. North Lanarkshire Council is a strategic transport hub with a number of major roads running through the area, namely the A8/ which links Glasgow and Edinburgh, the M73/M74 running north and south, and the A80/M80 running from Glasgow to Stirling and the north of Scotland.

Under the Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) Following the declaration of the initial three AQMAs regime local authorities throughout the UK have in North Lanarkshire (at Motherwell, Whifflet and a statutory responsibility to monitor and report Chapelhall), an Air Quality Action Plan was prepared on air quality in their area. National statutory air and published in 2010. Subsequent breaches of the quality objectives have been set for seven significant national air quality objectives led to further AQMA pollutants, along with dates for compliance with declarations at Croy and Moodiesburn. In addition the objectives. North Lanarkshire Council has been to this, another AQMA, which had been declared at monitoring air quality in line with its statutory duties Harthill for breaches of the annual mean objective for for a number of years now and has built up a good PM10 has since been revoked. It was therefore felt, level of knowledge of air quality across the district with all these changes, and with the time lapse since using a combination of diffusion tube screening the publication of the original 2010 Air Quality Action monitors and real-time automatic air monitors. The Plan, that an update to the Air Quality Action Plan was Council’s position makes it a prime location for a timely necessity. commuters to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling and this, combined with the significant amount of private residential housing that has been built in recent years has meant that North Lanarkshire has significant air quality challenges largely due to road traffic emissions. Monitoring has identified five areas across North Lanarkshire where the annual mean objective for Particulate (PM10) pollution is not being met. Consequently, these areas have been declared Air Quality Management Areas. They are: • Motherwell Town Centre • Junction of Lauchope St and Main St, Chapelhall • Whifflet Coatbridge • Moodiesburn • Croy

5 2.0 The Local Air Quality Management Process in North Lanarkshire

2.1 Legislative Background quality in the UK from today into for which an objective deadline the future. As well as direct benefits is set. Of the eight pollutants The National Air Quality Strategy to public health, these options are identified seven are required to for , Wales, Scotland and intended to provide improvements be assessed and reported in the Northern Ireland sets out the air to the quality of life and help to LAQM regime. The pollutants quality roles and responsibilities of protect our environment”. contained within the National Air central and local governments, and Quality Strategy (NAQS) and their environmental regulators. The National Air Quality Strategy relevant objectives for Scotland are (NAQS) details assessment criteria The aim of the strategy is to “set presented in Table 1. for eight pollutants in the form of out air quality objectives and atmospheric concentration levels policies to further improve air

Table 1: Pollutant Objectives outlined in the NAQS Pollutant Air Quality Objective Date to be achieved by Concentration Measured as Equivalent percentile Benzene 16.25 µg/m3 running annual - 31 / 12 / 2003 mean 3.25 µg/m3 running annual - 31 / 12 / 2010 mean 1,3-butadiene 2.25 µg/m3 running annual - 31 / 12 / 2003 mean Carbon 10 mg/m3 running 8 hour - 31 / 12 / 2003 monoxide (CO) mean Lead 0.5 µg/m3 annual mean - 31 / 12 / 2004 0.25 µg/m3 annual mean - 31 / 12 / 2008 Nitrogen dioxide 200 µg/m3 not to be exceeded 1-hour mean 99.79th percentile of 31 / 12 / 2005 (NO2) more than 18 times per year 1-hour means 40 µg/m3 annual mean - 31 / 12 / 2005 Particulate 50 µg/m3 not to be exceeded 24-hour mean 90.4th percentile of 31 / 12 / 2004 (PM10) more than 35 times a year 24-hour-means 40 µg/m3 annual mean - 31 / 12 / 2004 50 µg/m3 not to be exceeded 24-hour mean 98th percentile of 31 / 12 / 2010 more than 7 times a year 24-hour-means 18 µg/m3 annual mean - 31 / 12 / 2010 Sulphur dioxide 125 µg/m3 not to be exceeded 24-hour mean 99th percentile of 24- 31 / 12 / 2004 (SO2) more than 3 times a year hour means 350 µg/m3 not to be exceeded 1-hour mean 99.7th percentile of 31 / 12 / 2004 more than 24 times a year 1-hour means 266 µg/m3 not to be exceeded 15-minute mean 99.9th percentile of 31 / 12 / 2005 more than 35 times a year 15-minute means

6 The regulation of atmospheric emissions and Detailed Assessments were undertaken and potential monitoring of air quality is split across several different for exceedence of the PM10 annual mean objective government bodies. The Council has a duty to review was identified in Chapelhall, Motherwell and Whifflett and assess local air quality annually and identify (Coatbridge). Following consultation with the (then) areas where there is a risk that atmospheric pollutant Scottish Executive an AQMA was declared in each concentrations will exceed the NAQS objectives at location. locations of relevant public exposure. Where a risk of A number of further studies were undertaken to exceedence is identified, the Council is required to consider PM10 concentrations in each of the AQMAs, declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) and including analysis of the contribution of differing draw up an action plan which outlines the actions and sources to overall emissions and detailed source policies that the Council will implement to improve apportionment of measured ambient concentrations. pollutant concentrations in that area. Based on the findings of these studies an AQAP was 2.1 Historic Review and Assessment Process developed in 2009/10 identifying measures to be in North Lanarkshire undertaken by the Council and other agencies to improve air quality in each of the AQMAs. The process under which local authorities are required In parallel with the development of the AQAP further to review and assess air quality in its area is known as review and assessment studies were undertaken which Local Air Quality management (LAQM). The council identified potential for exceedence of the annual mean commenced monitoring of air quality in its area in PM10 objective in Harthill, Croy and Moodiesburn. 1997/98 following the introduction of LAQM, however AQMAs were declared in Harthill (2008), Croy (2011) following a review of the LAQM process a second and Moodiesburn (2011) respectively. round of review and assessment commenced in 2003. Since 2009/10 a number of changes to local An Updating and Screening Assessment (U&SA) of circumstances have occurred, which have effected air quality in 2003 identified (amongst other issues) local activity levels and the emission of air pollutants, potential for exceedence of the (then) new annual both positively and negatively.This chapter considers mean objective for PM10. A number of locations of the data which has been obtained since 2009/10 as potential exceedences were identified and detailed well as further studies that have been undertaken studies were undertaken through dispersion modelling to provide context to the air quality levels in North and continuous monitoring to determine the likelihood Lanarkshire and therefore the focus of this updated of exceedence of the objective. AQAP.

7 2.2 Monitoring Data

2.2.1 Background Concentrations in North Lanarkshire Previous LAQM reports have identified that background PM10 concentrations in areas of North Lanarkshire are elevated in comparison to the 2010 objective level. A map of background PM10 concentrations in North Lanarkshire and the surrounding areas is presented in Figure 1.

3 Figure 1: 2010 background PM10 concentrations (µg/m )

3 3 3 PM10 less than 11µg/m PM10 between 11 and 14 µg/m PM10 greater than 14 µg/m

8 The 2010 PM10 background maps were issued by Defra and the devolved administrations in 2011, and thus provide an update since the development of the original AQAP. The maps indicate that the background PM10 concentration within each AQMA is estimated to be between 13 µg/m3 and 14 µg/m3, whilst the highest background PM10 concentration in North Lanarkshire is 19 µg/m3. The updated estimates of background PM10 concentration indicate that background PM10 concentrations account for 70-80% of the NAQS annual mean PM10 objective level. The map indicates that PM10 concentrations are higher to the south and west of the Council area. These areas incorporate the Coatbridge/Airdrie and Bellshill/Motherwell/ Wishaw urban areas. The south-western area of North Lanarkshire is also the most densely populated area and indicates the influence of the major motorway road network on background PM10 concentrations. 2.2.3 Monitoring of PM10 Since the declaration of the AQMAs in 2005 North Lanarkshire Council has undertaken further monitoring of PM10 concentrations across the Council area.The measured annual mean PM10 concentrations at each monitoring location for the period 2007 to 2011 are presented in Table 2 and Figure 2. Further information on the monitoring is provided in the 2012 Updating and Screening Assessment.

Table 2: Measured Annual Mean PM10 Concentrations within AQMAs 2007 to 2012

3 AQMA Annual Mean PM10 µg/m 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Chapelhall 24.9 20.8 19 19 19 Croy 22 19 19 21 15 Harthill 17.7 16.5 10 14 n/a Motherwell 19.5 17.6 17 19 19 Moodiesburn - 19.5 18 20 17 Whifflet - - 18 18 19

9 Figure 2: PM10 concentrations 2007 to 2011

The results indicate that measured in PM10 concentrations in quality. The Detailed Assessment PM10 concentrations within Moodiesburn was observed in identified a potential for the 2010 Chapelhall have remained relatively 2011, coinciding with the opening annual mean objective for PM10 to consistent since 2009, and in of the new M80, which has led to be exceeded at receptor locations excess of the annual mean NAQS a substantial reduction in traffic on in the vicinity of the automatic objective. Similarly, at Whifflett the A80 through Moodiesburn. monitoring site, therefore it was concentrations have remained proposed to declare an AQMA. The relatively consistent and in excess of 2.4 Further Assessment Hearthill AQMA was declared in the objective. 2.4.1 Harthill AQMA June 2008. At Motherwell, a decrease in annual The Council had installed an Following the AQMA declaration mean concentrations was observed automatic monitoring site at monitoring of air quality levels in 2008 and 2009, however near Harthill in 1996 due to the continued and initially measured concentrations have subsequently presence of residential housing concentrations were above the risen and remain above the in the vicinity of the A8/M8 PM10 objective level. However objective level. and Tams Loup Quarry. Due to since the end of 2007 measured annual mean PM10 concentrations At Croy, a substantial reduction in measured exceedences of the have remained below the objective measured PM10 concentrations annual mean objective for PM10 at level. was observed in 2011, coinciding the monitoring site from 2002 to with the moth-ball of the quarry. 2005 the Council commissioned Based on the continued measured Similarly, a marked reduction a Detailed Assessment of local air compliance with PM10 objectives

10 it was proposed to revoke the AQMA. A Further • For PM10, the contribution of industrial sources, Assessment of PM10 concentration was undertaken particularly quarries or other dust generating sites is to identify whether the AQMA should be revoked. In more prominent, although road traffic is the highest particular, the report reviewed the following areas: contributing source. Commercial and domestic combustion is also a significant contributor. • Measured PM10 concentrations; • The contribution of individual sources within each of • Re-examination of the 2005 Detailed Assessment the AQMAs is summarised below: and its findings; o In Chapelhall, road traffic emissions are the • Identification of local emission sources that operated principal in the period 2002-2007 and any changes to those emission source, although rail emission sources since then; traffic is a significant • Identification of regional and national trends in contributor; ambient PM10 concentrations; o In Croy, industrial emissions • Evaluation of the probability of continued are the principal emission compliance with the PM10 objective; and source, contributing nearly • A determination of whether the AQMA should 90% of total PM10 emissions; remain or can be revoked. o In Moodiesburn, road traffic emissions are the dominant It was concluded that it was considered unlikely that emission source, accounting for 75% of total the NAQS annual mean PM10 objective would be PM10 emissions; exceeded in future years. The AQMA was therefore revoked in 2012. o In Motherwell, road traffic emissions are a significant source, however rail traffic and 2.5 Emissions Inventory industrial emissions are also significant In 2012/2013 an emission inventory was compiled contributors to total PM10 emissions; and on behalf of the Council. The principal aim of the o In Whifflett, road traffic emissions are the emissions inventory was to determine the main dominant source contributing nearly 90% of total source(s) of LAQM pollutant emissions in North PM10 emissions. Lanarkshire and particularly within the AQMAs, to advise the development of measures within the LAQM 2.6 Progress with 2010 Action Plan Action Plan, both for Council-wide measures and for Measures hot-spot locations. North Lanarkshire Council published its first Air With this in mind, the principal findings of the study Quality Action Plan in 2010, following extensive were as follows: preparatory work carried out in 2009. The 2009 Action • The two most significant pollutants emitted within Plan measures were developed following detailed North Lanarkshire are NO2 and PM10; discussions with a number of Council Departments and the resulting document outlined a total of thirty- • Analysis of spatial distribution of emissions indicates six action plan measures. These encompassed a that the highest emissions are generated by the number of Council-wide, broad-based measures, as road network, as well as industrial emissions sources well as a range of measures specifically tailored to located in or around the main towns in North each AQMA. Consistently throughout the process of Lanarkshire. Emissions in the rural areas to the north developing the action plan measures, the emphasis and east of the Council area are negligible; was on ensuring the demonstration of a real • For NO2 emissions the principal source is road commitment to air quality improvements both within traffic, however other emission sources including the AQMAs and across North Lanarkshire as a whole. rail traffic, waste related sites and commercial and domestic combustion are also significant sources;

11 Specific action plan measures which have seen In addition to awareness-raising, the Council has significant progress to date include those aimed at implemented a number of measures in relation to its raising the profile of air quality throughout North own way of working, which are complementary to the Lanarkshire, and awareness-raising of air pollution in Air Quality Action Plan. A so-called “getting our own general. This has included: house in order” approach has been adopted. Examples of this include: • Discussions with the Local Planning Team in order to ensure that air quality is detailed within the revised • Through the procurement process the Council is North Lanarkshire Local Plan; ensuring that all light goods vehicles supplied by the Council for use by external contractors shall be at • The preparation of developer’s guidance on air least Euro 4 engine standard by 2012; quality; • Automatic Vehicle Logging Systems (AVLS) have • Input into the Council’s Local Transport Strategy; been introduced across a range of Council vehicles; • Vehicle Emission Testing/Vehicle Idling campaigns • Pool cars have been introduced across all Council throughout the AQMAs; departments, along with a smaller number of • Promoting the preparation of School Travel Plans for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. This schools within the AQMAs; type of initiative has benefits for the Council’s • Synchronising work carried out by the Council in carbon reduction commitments, as well as benefits relation to carbon management, with work carried in terms of local air quality management; and out in local air quality management, for example, in • Workplace travel Plans are in the process of being terms of biomass boiler installations; prepared for all main Council buildings, particularly • Local air quality management is now a standing those within and adjacent to AQMAs; item on the Council’s Sustainability and Climate In addition to the Council-wide action plan measures, Change Group; the previous air quality action plan contained action • Signage for Council vehicles highlighting air quality plan measures in relation to each individual AQMA. as a concern. Significant progress has also been realised with a number of these action plan measures within the AQMAs. Table 3 shows progress to date with the previous action plan measures.

Table 3: 2008 Air Quality Action Plan Progress Action Plan Measure Details Progress (February 2013) Action Plan Measure 1 Include Air Quality in agenda for COMPLETE Sustainability Working Groups Action Plan Measure 2 Introduction of policy regarding COMPLETE consideration of air quality issues for proposed biomass developments Action Plan Measure 3 Pilot and feasibility study for use of COMPLETE electric vehicles Action Plan Measure 4 All light goods vehicles for external PROGRESSING contractors to be minimum of Euro 4 standard by 2012 Action Plan Measure 5 Home flexible-style working pilot to COMPLETE be carried out for NLC Action Plan Measure 6 Feasibility study into use of pool cars COMPLETE for all Council services Action Plan Measure 7 All Council Services to consider AVLS COMPLETE technology for vehicles by 2012

12 Action Plan Measure 8 All Council Services and Contractors COMPLETE to consider speed limiting technology by 2012 Action Plan Measure 9 All NLC fleet vehicles to be at least PROGRESSING Euro 4 standard by 2012 Action Plan Measure 10 School Travel Plans will be prepared PROGRESSING for all schools with catchments within AQMAs Action Plan Measure 11 To prepare and implement a Parking PROGRESSING Management Strategy, including the AQMAs Action Plan Measure 12 Travel Plans will be prepared and COMPLETE implemented for all main Council buildings Action Plan Measure 13 An awareness-raising exercise will COMPLETE take place on the Council’s car- sharing scheme Action Plan Measure 14 Continue work with Local Plan team COMPLETE to ensure Air Quality is included within revised North Lanarkshire Local Plan Action Plan Measure 15 Developer’s guidance on air quality COMPLETE will be prepared Action Plan Measure 16 An air quality information DVD will COMPLETE be produced and played throughout North Lanarkshire Action Plan Measure 17 A Learnskape educational module COMPLETE will be produced for schools in North Lanarkshire Action Plan Measure 18 School bus contract will be NO ACTION amended to include requirement (Not financially viable at this time) that school buses are less than 10 years old Action Plan Measure 19 Continue work to ensure strategic COMPLETE roads and transportation documents go hand-in-hand with the Air Quality Action Plan Action Plan Measure 20 The Vehicle Emission Testing COMPLETE programme will continue, particularly within the AQMAs Action Plan Measure 21 A review of the air quality COMPLETE monitoring stations will be undertaken Action Plan Measure 22 Work with SEPA in pursuance of COMPLETE statutory air quality duties

13 Action Plan Measure 23 Air Quality messages to be PROGRESSING advertised on the back of every van to develop public awareness Action Plan Measure 24 NLC will work towards viable PROGRESSING solution to congestion, and consequently a reduction in road traffic emissions associated with ongoing development of Action Plan Measure 25 NLC will reconsider option of PROGRESSING widening the A721 Windmillhill St, in future budget spending options Action Plan Measure 26 NLC will look at traffic signal PROGRESSING (linked to action integration in areas of Motherwell to plan measure 24 – Ravenscraig) increase traffic flow Action Plan Measure 27 NLC will support the reconsideration PROGRESSING of the Motherwell Transport Integration Project when new rail franchise is let in 2017 Action Plan Measure 28 NLC will support the Transport PROGRESSING Scotland-led M8/A8 Completion Project Action Plan Measure 29 NLC will endorse developer-led link PROGRESSING road at Whifflet/ Action Plan Measure 30 NLC will build a car park to the rear COMPLETE of the shops in Whifflet Action Plan Measure 31 NC will look at increasing parking COMPLETE restrictions in Whifflet and look at optimising traffic light phasing Action Plan Measure 32 Outcome of A73 STAG for the COMPLETE Chapelhall area will be duly assessed and considered Action Plan Measure 33 NLC will work towards declassifying COMPLETE B799 Lauchope St and upgrade alternative road to reduce traffic flow through Chapelhall AQMA Action Plan Measure 34 NLC will again revisit and review PROGRESSING potential junction improvements within Chapelhall AQMA Action Plan Measure 35 NLC will commission Speciation NO ACTION (no longer deemed Study in Harthill AQMA for sources necessary due to the revocation of apportionment of PM10 in this area the Harthill AQMA) Action Plan Measure 36 Data from new monitoring site COMPLETE in Harthill AQMA will be duly considered and appraised to determine any alterations required to AQMA in this area.

14 3.0 Policies, Plans and Developments Likely to Impact on the Council’s Air Quality Action Plan Air quality in North Lanarkshire can be influenced by a wide range of factors, including other policies and plans being pursued by the Council as well as other parties. Development also has an impact on air quality throughout the district. This Chapter outlines policies, plans and other known factors that have the potential to impact on PM10 concentrations in North Lanarkshire.

3.1 Roads and Transportation Policies • Protect our environment and improve health by and Plans building and investing in public transport and other types of efficient and sustainable transport which 3.1.1 National Transport Strategy minimise emissions and consumption of resources and energy; The vision of the National Transport Strategy (NTS) is of “an accessible Scotland with safe, integrated • Improve safety of journeys by reducing accidents and reliable transport that supports economic and enhancing the personal safety of pedestrians, growth, provides opportunities for all and is easy drivers, passengers and staff; and to use; a transport system that meets everyone’s • Improve integration by making journey planning needs, respects our environment and contributes to and ticketing easier and working to ensure smooth health; services recognised internationally for quality, connection between different forms of transport. technology and innovation, and for effective and well-maintained networks; a culture where fewer There are 3 key strategic outcomes that must be short journeys are made by car, where we favour focussed on to achieve this vision. They are to: public transport, walking and cycling because they are • Improve journey times and connections, to safe and sustainable, where transport providers and tackle congestion and the lack of integration and planners respond to the changing needs of businesses, connections in transport which impact on our communities and users, and where one ticket will get high level objectives for economic growth, social you anywhere” Scotland’s Transport Future 2004. inclusion, integration and safety; The NTS set five high level objectives for transport in • Reduce emissions, to tackle the issues of climate Scotland’s Transport Future. change, air quality and health improvement which They are to: impact on our high level objective for protecting the • Promote economic growth by building, enhancing environment and improving health; and managing and maintaining transport services, • Improve quality, accessibility and affordability, to give infrastructure and networks to maximise their people a choice of public transport, where availability efficiency; means better quality transport services and value for • Promote social inclusion by connecting remote and money or an alternative to the car. disadvantaged communities and increasing the accessibility of the transport network;

15 These strategic outcomes will have wider benefits and • Effectiveness and Efficiency: To ensure the provision will contribute to the delivery of a number of other of effective and efficient transport infrastructure key priorities, including health improvement, social and services to improve connectivity for people and inclusion and regeneration. Tackling congestion, freight; integrating services and infrastructure, improving • Access for All: To promote and facilitate access that connections and accessibility will all encourage recognises the transport requirements of all; individuals to make different choices about their preferred method of travel and enable individuals to • Environment and Health: To improve health and become more economically active. As well as reducing protect the environment by minimising emissions emissions, policies to increase active travel and better and consumption of resources and energy by the integrate transport with services will contribute to transport system; and increased physical activity and improved health. • Economy, Transport and Land-use Planning: To The strategic outcomes will set the context for support land-use planning strategies, regeneration transport policy making and inform decision making and development by integrating transport provision. for the next 20 years for the Executive and their key The Regional Transport Strategy also sets out 17 partners. They should become the guiding principles priorities that aim to address the key objectives. when developing strategy and prioritising resources. Examples of these priorities include: developing They recognise that this strategy cannot cover integrated ticketing; planning and providing a step- everything. However, through the strategic outcomes change for bus services, standards and infrastructure; they want to give a clear focus on the major challenges and encouraging modal shift to sustainable modes. that need to be addressed in order to make the biggest The Regional Transport Strategy also details the difference to achieving their vision for Scotland in indicators in place for monitoring the Strategy and for 2025. aligning those to the National Outcomes. 3.1.2 Regional Transport Strategy Although the Regional Transport Strategy does not “A Catalyst for Change, the Regional Transport detail specific measures that will improve air quality Strategy for the West of Scotland 2008 – 2012” sets in the AQMAs, although there are “Indicators” and out Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s SPT) “Targets” to reduce the number of AQMAs and to vision for transport, the goals they share with partner reduce the carbon output by the transport sector. organisations, transport objectives, their strategic The RTS demonstrate a commitment to improving priorities for transport and the indicators they will air quality as a result of improvements to public use to measure delivery for the first 5 years of the transport, and in particular the rail network and service Strategy’s implementation. The strategy has four key improvements as well as in encouraging modal shift, transport outcomes, namely: – improved connectivity; promoting cleaner vehicles and restricting growth in access for all; reduced emissions; and attractive, traffic levels. seamless, reliable travel. 3.1.3 Central Scotland Transport Corridor The key objectives of the Regional Transport Strategy Studies (CSTCS) are: The Scottish Executive commissioned a study in 2001 • Safety and Security: To improve safety and security to evaluate transportation provision on the three main on the transport system; trunk road corridors in west central Scotland (A8, A80 • Modal Shift: To increase the proportion of trips and M74). The three corridors pass through or form undertaken by walking, cycling and public the boundary of the North Lanarkshire Council area, transport; and as such the conclusions and decisions on the study directly impinge on transportation and thus air quality • Excellent Transport Systems: To enhance the within North Lanarkshire. attractiveness, reliability and integration of the transport network; A decision document was published by the Scottish Executive in 2003 (and updated in 2006)

16 outlining the Executive’s decision on each of the key Improvements to the rail network between North recommendations of the study. The recommendations Lanarkshire and Glasgow were proposed through that will have an effect on air quality within each of the improvements to the Glasgow-Whifflet line and the AQMAs in North Lanarkshire are: Glasgow to / service. An increased Glasgow-Lanark service via Carfin/Holytown service • Airdrie-Bathgate rail line (now completed); was introduced in 2006. The scheme also provided for • A8 upgrade between Baillieston and Newhouse a future station at Ravenscraig. An improved Glasgow- (currently out to Tender); Whifflet service was introduced, with two services per • Glasgow to Whifflet rail service; hour operating on the line. The improvements to both the Glasgow-Lanark and Glasgow-Whifflet service will • Integrated local and express bus services along A8 assist in reducing traffic levels accessing the M8 and corridor; M74 and should result in small improvements to air • Glasgow-Edinburgh via rail upgrade; quality in both the Whifflet and Motherwell AQMAs. • Improvement of the A725 Bellshill Bypass and Raith 3.1.4 Local Transport Strategy Interchange; and North Lanarkshire Council published its Local • Upgrade of the A80/M80 (now completed). Transport Strategy in 2010. The 4 key objectives identified within the document are:- The A8 Upgrade and A725 improvement schemes are linked and commonly known as the M8 Completion • To stimulate business and the economy and develop Project. An environmental statement and draft North Lanarkshire as an attractive place to invest, orders for the scheme were published in 2004. A key work and do business; recommendation of the M8 Completion Project in the • To provide equal opportunities and enhance the CSTCS was the provision of a service station and lorry choice, accessibility and availability of transport, park facilities on the M73 to ease traffic flows on the particularly for those in deprived areas and for those A73 corridor. The introduction of such a development with limited access to the transport network; would have a positive effect on air quality in Chapelhall. • To promote safety in the community and enhance actual and perceived safety when travelling on the The Airdrie-Bathgate rail line reopening now transport network; provides four services per hour between Glasgow and Edinburgh, passing through an upgraded Airdrie • To protect North Lanarkshire’s natural and station, a relocated station at Drumgelloch and a built environment and improve the health of its new station at . The scheme has improved population. access to Livingston, Glasgow and Edinburgh for The strategy identifies the need to improve access commuters based in the Airdrie area and should also to employment, health and education by public reduce road traffic accessing the M8 motorway via transport, walking and cycling. Actions include the A73 and Chapelhall and on the Whifflet corridor. enhancement of public transport links to stations Consequently there should be evidence of a positive serving the new Airdrie-Bathgate rail line, improving impact on the air quality within the Chapelhall and links to existing train services and lobbying for Whifflet AQMAs. improved bus services in the evenings and weekends. The CSTCS recommended the provision of an It also identifies the need to tackle the impacts of peak integrated system of express bus services along the hour congestion and identifies a number of key actions M8/A8 with local bus services. It was suggested that to be taken against various transport-related issues, the scheme link residential areas in Airdrie, Whifflet, including road improvements, parking enhancements Coatbridge, Motherwell and Ravenscraig/Wishaw with within town centres, softer measures aimed at the and other key employment areas. The reducing the demand for travel, and encouraging scheme should reduce road traffic accessing the M8, travel by means other than car. M74 and other main trunk roads, resulting in improved air quality in each of the AQMAs.

17 The Local Transport Strategy recognises the current identifying related works/initiatives already in existence air quality position within North Lanarkshire Council throughout the Council, as well as setting up a short- and there are many similarities with the key actions life working group for taking forward the project. identified in the strategy and those within the Air Quality Action Plan. 3.2 Planning and Development Policies and Plans 3.1.5 North Lanarkshire Council Walking and Cycling Strategy 3.2.1 National Planning Framework In demonstrating North Lanarkshire Council’s The planning system in Scotland comprises three main commitment to developing a safe, sustainable and parts: integrated transport system, the Council prepared a • Development Plans – these set out how places Walking and Cycling Strategy. Walking and Cycling should change and also set out the policies used to have been identified as a key part of an integrated make decisions about planning applications; transport system as they offer health, social inclusion, • Development Management – this is the process public access and environmental benefits. The aim whereby decisions about planning applications are of the Walking and Cycling Strategy is to achieve an made; and increase in the number of journeys made by foot and an increase in bicycle use. The aims and targets are • Enforcement – this is the process that ensures integrated within the Local Transport Strategy. development is carried out correctly and takes action when development happens without There are no specific objectives within the Walking and permission or when conditions have not been Cycling Strategy that will reduce PM10 concentration followed. in any of the AQMAs, however, the overall effect of the strategy will be to reduce road traffic emissions Development plans set out what type of development through increased modal shift, thus assisting in should take place and where, including infrastructure reducing the overall background PM10 concentrations. developments such as roads, schools and parks. The Development plan for North Lanarkshire currently 3.1.6 Draft Strategic Travel Plan comprises the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Strategic The development of North Lanarkshire Council’s Development plan and the North Lanarkshire Council Workplace travel plan was an action arising out of the Local Plan. The Strategic Development Plan sets out National, Regional and Local Transport Strategies, as long term development aspirations for the overall city well as the Council’s Air Quality Action Plan. region and the Local Plan will soon be replaced by a Local Development Plan which will set out detailed Following initial discussions in early 2011, a working development sites and policies to guide decisions on group was formed to take forward the preparation planning applications. of the Council’s Workplace Travel Plan. This working group comprised members of staff working in air 3.2.2 Glasgow and Clyde Valley Strategic quality and roads safety and strategy. A travel planning Development Plan consultant was also engaged at this time. A travel survey questionnaire was distributed to all staff and The Glasgow and Clyde Valley Strategic Development site assessment technical notes were produced for the Plan sets out a spatial vision and development strategy Council’s four main offices. Based on the results of the for the Glasgow and Clyde Valley area. The Strategic staff questionnaire, plus the findings of the technical Development Plan’s vision is based upon a “compact site assessments, a Draft Strategic Travel Plan was city model” which is aimed at minimising carbon and prepared. This document outlined the current situation development footprints by focusing on a development in terms of workplace travel and suggested possible corridor which supports: actions which could be taken both at a strategic • Key locations with Glasgow City Centre at its core all levels for the Council, and also at local levels. At the accessed by a network of sustainable transport; time of going to press the Council was attempting to take forward the Draft Strategic Travel Plan by

18 • Regeneration and renewal of the urban fabric and four policies that apply to every planning through the recycling of vacant and derelict land application seeking planning permission; and with a focus on healthy urban planning; • Also included are four topics which set out policies • Infrastructure provision which supports sustainable that only apply to certain types of development transport including integrated mass transit systems (such as housing or retail) or to particular locations and high speed rail, new and upgraded water and (such as existing industrial areas of town centres). drainage networks driven by Metropolitan Glasgow The Proposals maps identify new Proposals introduced Strategic Drainage Plan; in the Local Plan, existing development opportunities, • Green infrastructure through the delivery of the and where the Policies apply. Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network and new The Policy document lists development opportunities forestry and woodland planting; and protected assets (such as sites for housing • Minimising carbon and development footprints; development and Sites of Special Scientific Interest) for each of the North Lanarkshire’s six Local Area • Decentralised energy generation based upon Partnership areas (North, Coatbridge, Airdrie, Bellshill, alternative renewables. Motherwell and Wishaw). They give an indication of The main areas of interest with regard to local air the developments that are likely to take place. quality include transport planning. The Plan aims to Throughout the extensive consultation phase promote green transport linkages including walking, undertaken during the preparation of the North cycling and public transport to the main employment Lanarkshire Local Plan air quality was consistently centres. Addressing key problems on the road network flagged up and recognised as an important issue for is another long term vision, particularly to address the local authority, particularly in and adjacent to the external and internal transport links. This involves Council’s Air Quality Management Areas. improving rail access, improving public transport, managing congestion and upgrading strategic road 3.2.4 Town Centre Improvement Plans corridors (eg. A8/M8 and A80/M80 routes). Town Centre Health Checks and Improvement 3.2.3 North Lanarkshire Local Plan Frameworks are seen as more vital now than ever, as our retail and social habits change. In addition to this North Lanarkshire Council’s local Plan was adopted in are the impacts of the recent economic downturn. 2012 and it sets out detailed sites and policies for the North Lanarkshire Council, like other local authorities development and use of land, as well as serving as a has prepared, and is working through a Town Centre guide for all day-to-day planning decisions. The Local Improvement Framework, aimed at improving and Plan assesses development needs over the next 5-10 revitalising several of the town centres in the local years, and set out policies and proposals to achieve authority area. As part of this process a number of them. The Local Plan contains a Policy Document, Town Centre Improvement Stakeholder Workshops a Proposals Map and an Environmental Report as have been held, where discussions have taken place required under the EU Strategic Environmental on how town centres can be improved. Protective Assessment Directive. Services have been represented at these groups in The Policy Document includes: order that air pollution matters can be highlighted and • An introduction section explaining what the local taken on board where appropriate. plan is, what it contains, how to use it and the 3.3 Corporate Plans and Policies process leading to the plan’s adoption; • A development strategy section setting out the 3.3.1 North Partnership Community Plan overall vision for the physical development of North (Single Outcome Agreement) Lanarkshire. This describes our aims for the local North Lanarkshire Partnership’s Community plan, and identifies four area priorities where the Plan (Single Outcome Agreement) sets out the pace and scale of change will be most significant partnership’s key priorities for the period 2013 to 2018. The plan identifies five key themes together with

19 linked strategic priorities and local outcomes which also demonstrates the Council’s contribution to the will focus the work of the partners over this period. priorities of the Community Plan (Single Outcome The five key themes are: Agreement) • Health and wellbeing; The four key themes detailed in the 2013 to 2018 Corporate Plan are: • Lifelong Learning; • Health and Wellbeing; • Regeneration; • Lifelong Learning; • Community Safety, and • Regeneration, and • Developing the partnership. • Service and People First. The Regeneration theme is supported by the Regeneration Partnership Group and its four associated Air quality is included within the section on sub-groups: Physical regeneration, Economic Regeneration and through the Corporate Plan, the regeneration, Sustainability and climate change and Council pledges to continue to deliver its statutory Natural environment and active transport. There are responsibility in terms of local air quality management. a wide range of partners involved in these groups Also given is a pledge to continue to monitor air including council services, colleges, Skills Development quality, targeting the areas of poorest air quality in the Scotland, NHS Lanarkshire, Scottish Natural Heritage, North Lanarkshire Council area and take any necessary Central Scotland Forest Trust, Central Scotland Green action. Network and the Forestry Commission. This theme links to the Scottish Government’s Wealthier and Fairer 3.4 Sustainable Development/Climate and Greener objectives. Change Policies and Plan As long signatories of Scotland’s Climate Change 3.4.1 North Lanarkshire Council Carbon Declaration the partnership is committed to climate Management Plan change mitigation, climate change adaptation and acting sustainably. This will continue to be delivered North Lanarkshire Council implemented a five year through the Sustainable Development Delivery Carbon Management Plan on 1st April 2009 which Framework and internal and external partnering. set a target of a 25% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, transport, water and Through implementation of the national, regional and waste. Several of the Council’s partner organisations local transport strategies the partnership will also seek (Amey Roads North Lanarkshire, Saltire, MPC and to reduce congestion and improve air quality. Through North Lanarkshire Leisure) are also participating in the increasing the numbers of air quality monitors (as Carbon Management Plan and to date a reduction funding becomes available) the partnership will of approximately 18% has been achieved. A second identify areas of poorer air quality and take any Carbon Management Plan will be developed during necessary action. 2013 for implementation on 1st April 2014. this will be 3.3.2 North Lanarkshire Council Corporate a four year plan which will build on the achievements of the first Carbon Management Plan and will support Plan the Council’s Low Carbon Activity Strategy which The North Lanarkshire Council Corporate plan covers is also under development. Energy efficiency and the period 2013 to 2018 and is the document which renewable technologies will be key areas in reducing details what the Council expects to achieve for North emissions and the Council will continue to develop its Lanarkshire and its residents over this period. . Within sustainable waste management practices that have the plan there are four key themes with associated already yielded very significant emission savings. strategic priorities and local outcomes and the delivery Further roll-out of poor cars across the Council and of these is linked directly to the Service Plans of the further improvements to the Council fleet of vehicles council’s services. As well as providing details of the will further reduce emissions from Council transport. strategic direction of the Council, the Corporate Plan By reducing greenhouse gas emissions the Council

20 will help meet its obligations to the Scottish Climate • Housing for up to 10,000 new residents; Change Declaration, address volatile and rising fossil • A new town centre with retail and leisure facilities; fuel prices and mitigate energy security issues. • An industrial campus; 3.5 Planned Developments in North • Office and business accommodation; Lanarkshire Affecting the AQMAs • New regional sports facility; and 3.5.1 M8 Completion Project • Primary, secondary and college educational The proposed M8 Completion project is a capital facilities. project which will impact upon air quality levels in the AQMAs at Whifflet, Chapelhall and Motherwell. The As part of the new development a new rail/bus works will involve the construction of a new separated interchange is planned to provide an integrated public three lane equivalent motorway standard road transport system for both residents and workers based running between Baillieston and Newhouse. The aim in Ravenscraig. The transport system will provide of the scheme is to separate regional traffic travelling access to neighbouring towns as well as providing east-west from local traffic travelling north-south, or commuter links to Glasgow and Edinburgh. between urban areas eg Coatbridge to Chapelhall. In Access to the Ravenscraig site is currently through addition to the new road, new or upgraded junctions the existing road network in Motherwell, however will be provided at Baillieston, Shawhead, Eurocentral, currently plans are under consideration for new/ Chapelhall and Newhouse. The scheme also includes upgraded access provision through the site and to the the introduction of a new All Purpose Road (APR), north of the site – the A723 – where it is planned to also known as a Distributor Road serving the existing dual the existing road to dual carriageway status. To westbound carriageway. The purpose of the new the south of the Ravenscraig site, at the Motherwell road will be to facilitate the movement of local traffic. AQMA changes are proposed to the existing Airbles A planned upgrade of the Raith Interchange (A725/ Road in Motherwell in order to allow the road to M74) should also reduce traffic queuing on the Bellshill absorb the additional traffic that will be generated by Bypass. the Ravenscraig development. It is proposed to widen The air quality impact of the proposed M8 Completion the roundabout at Motherwell Civic Centre to provide was considered as part of the Environmental access to Ravenscraig and absorb the additional traffic Assessment of the scheme and also as part of the between Ravenscraig and Hamilton/M74. The scheme Further Assessment. The assessment of air quality will involve substantial changes to the road network impacts identified that improvements in air quality within the Motherwell AQMA. At the time of going would be experienced in some locations, however to press consultants acting for the developer of the there would be deterioration in air quality at other Ravenscraig site (Ravenscraig Ltd) were undertaking locations. A marginal improvement in air quality is microsimulation modelling of various traffic scenarios predicted within the Chapelhall AQMA as a result within Motherwell in order to determine the best of the scheme, with little or no change in PM10 solution for balancing the needs of the additional concentrations predicted within either the Motherwell site access to Ravenscraig, with the already busy and or Whifflet AQMAs. The M8 Completion project is congested town centre traffic in Motherwell. estimated to being in 2014. 3.5.3 Strathclyde Partnership for Transport 3.5.2 Ravenscraig Development (SPT) The redevelopment of the former steelworks site SPT is the regional Transport Partnership (RTP) agency at Ravenscraig is one of the largest development for the West of Scotland, created as one of seven such projects Scotland has ever experienced. The project partnerships across Scotland in 2006. SPT has the will result in the construction of a new community statutory responsibility to improve strategic transport which borders the towns of Motherwell and Wishaw. connections across the Strathclyde area, develop the Anticipated development on the site will include: transport network and encourage more sustainable travel choices. SPT’s key partners are the twelve local

21 authorities that make up the Partnership, one of which • Investigate the possibility of introducing a Statutory is North Lanarkshire Council. As part of the partnership Quality Partnership (SQP) for bus provision in working, SPT assist North Lanarkshire Council in Motherwell. This project involves examining the meeting the commitments of their Single Outcome potential to develop a SQP in Motherwell Town Agreement (SOA) with the Scottish Government. In Centre to improve the quality of bus service working towards this goal, SPT and North Lanarkshire provision as well as supporting the economy of Council identify transport priorities each year that Motherwell Town Centre. This project would have a support local outcomes. The transport priorities positive impact on air quality within the Motherwell identified for 2012/2013 for North Lanarkshire include AQMA as the buses operating in the area through the following, which would impact on air quality in the the SQP would be of a higher and cleaner engine area. standard. • Support the regeneration of Ravenscraig through 3.5.4 Electrification of the Glasgow- the development of transport choices, including Edinburgh Rail Line a package of measures involving walking, cycling, bus, rail and road improvements to be implemented The Scottish Government has released funding for the incrementally over the next 6-7 years. In addition electrification of the Glasgow to Edinburgh rail line. to this, a feasibility study is being undertaken for Work on this has started in late 2012, with the project a replacement rail bridge to enable the proposed completion date estimated to be 2016. The project dualling works on the A723. As mentioned involves significant engineering works along the route, previously in the section on Ravenscraig, the part of which will impact on the Council’s AQMA at dualling of the A723 is a project to which the Croy, however there are significant long-term benefits Council is already committed, which will assist in the to rail travel between two of Scotland’s largest cities. access road provision for the northern part of the There is likely to be an impact on air quality during the Ravenscraig site. construction phase of the project, however, once the electrification is complete there will be a vast reduction • Extension of Park and Ride Provision in North in air pollution attributable to diesel trains in the area Lanarkshire – it has been recognised that commuters and so air quality should improve. using Motherwell Station put a great deal of pressure on the existing parking provision within 3.5.5 Upgrade of the A80/M80 the town. As such, two sites have been identified as Transport Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish suitable for the provision of additional park and ride Government has completed the upgrade of the M80, facilities at key locations in Motherwell. Although which runs north from Glasgow. The project was increasing the potential for parking, it is seen as an completed in August 2011 and provides a bypass to improvement to the current vastly-oversubscribed the villages of Moodiesburn, and Muirhead parking situation in Motherwell, with the locations and links in with the previously upgraded Auchenkilns of the car parks designed such that they will negate junction. The old A80 had seen large volumes of traffic the requirement for traffic from some areas to pass passing by on a dual carriageway with residential through the Motherwell AQMA looking for a parking receptors immediately adjacent to the carriageway. space. As a result of air quality exceedances in this area the • Improvements to the A73 junction at Lauchope Moodiesburn AQMA was declared. With the new Street, Chapelhall. This project has already seen bypass road arrangement the air quality objectives at work carried out in terms of analysing and designing the Moodiesburn AQMA are now being met and so junction improvements at this location. This junction it is likely that future work will involve the request for is highly significant in terms of the Chapelhall revocation of the Moodiesburn AQMA. AQMA, with high volumes of queuing traffic on a daily basis. It is hoped that continued funding would be available in future years to progress this project from the design to the construction phase.

22 4.0 Consultation North Lanarkshire Council recognises that effective public engagement is an integral part of preparing an Air Quality Action Plan. As such, the Council has undertaken extensive consultation in the preparation of the updated Air Quality Action Plan.

In carrying out the consultation process it was questionnaire utilised some of the same questions that considered important to identify interested parties, were used in the original action plan consultation, in or stakeholders, both internal and external to the order that comparisons could be made with the results Council. These are individuals who may have a vested of the previous consultation. Press adverts were run interest and who would be able to provide assistance in the local papers within the AQMAs outlining the in ensuring a robust and transparent consultation consultation and how it could be accessed. In addition exercise. In the previous action planning exercise to this, press releases were issued and the consultation an external facilitator was engaged to assist in the was also advertised on the Council website and emails consultation exercise, however for this update to the sent out to all email users on the Council’s email action plan it was not felt necessary to engage an system. Posters advertising the consultation were also external consultant as it was felt the exercise could put up in Council and other public buildings, in order be undertaken as effectively utilising the experience to publicise the consultation as widely as possible. gained from the first round of action planning. The questionnaire contained five questions, initially 4.1 Public Consultation asking opinions on air quality in North Lanarkshire, with the fifth question outlining a number of broad- The first step in the process involved consulting the based measures aimed at improving air quality in public. The aim of this was to gauge public opinion North Lanarkshire. The measures identified were on air quality as a whole and also to consult on the representative of the proposed action plan measures proposed action plan measures to be contained within and this fifth question asked respondents to rate each the updated air quality action plan. To achieve this aim suggested measure on a scale of one to five as to how it was felt that the survey should be as widely available effective they thought each measure was in helping as possible to ensure that representative views were to improve air quality within North Lanarkshire. The obtained not only from residents in the Council’s public consultation ran for the month of February AQMAs but also in other localities in and around North 2013 and yielded a total of 545 responses. Lanarkshire. 4.1.1 Results of the Public Consultation A questionnaire was developed in collaboration with the Chief Executive’s Corporate Information and The main aim of the public consultation was to gauge Research Team. The questionnaire was available in public opinion on air quality in North Lanarkshire paper format and was also set up using the survey Council and also to serve as a useful tool in helping to hosting website Survey Monkey. A copy of the inform Air Quality Management in North Lanarkshire. questionnaire is included in Appendix 4. The survey Of the 545 responses, 542 responses were made included a question seeking views on options for directly through the Survey Monkey website, with improving air quality in North Lanarkshire. The three paper based responses.

23 The location of respondents and the age of respondents is detailed in Figures 3 and 4 below.

Figure 3 Location of Respondents (% of total) 19.0 20 17.9 15.5 15 11.9 11.3 10.4 10 8.2 5.8 5 0

Airdrie Bellshill Coatbridge Motherwell North Wishaw Outwith NL Not stated

Figure 4 Age Structure (% of total)

100 94 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 5 10 1 0 Under 18 18-60 Over 60

Question one asked respondents how they rate air quality in North Lanarkshire. As indicated in Figure 5 below, almost a third (32.6%) of respondents think air quality in North Lanarkshire is either good or very good. Around half (49.7%) of respondents think air quality in North Lanarkshire is average, with only 10.2% of respondents believing air quality to be either poor or very poor in North Lanarkshire. 7.5% of respondents answered that they didn’t know how air quality was in North Lanarkshire.

Figure 5

How do you rate air quality in North Lanarkshire (% of total)

60 49.7 50 40 28.2 30

20 8.6 7.5 10 4.4 1.6 0 Very good Good Average Poor Very poor Don't know

24 Question two asked respondents how they think air quality in North Lanarkshire compares with the rest of the west of Scotland. Figure 6 shows that for this question most respondents (61.5%) think that air quality in North Lanarkshire is about the same as the rest of the west of Scotland. Similar percentages (around 10% in both cases) of respondents believe air quality in North Lanarkshire is either better than most areas or worse than most areas. Quite a high proportion of respondents (17.4%) said they didn’t know how North Lanarkshire’s air quality compared with the rest of the west of Scotland).

Figure 6

How do you think air quality in North Lanarkshire compares with the rest of the west of Scotland (% of total)

80 61.5 60 40 17.4 9.5 11.5 20 0 Better than most areas About the same as other Worse than most other Don't know/not sure areas areas

Question three asked respondents whether Figure 7 shows that 34% of respondents answered that they are aware of any air quality concerns/ they are aware of air quality concerns/issues in North Lanarkshire, while 53% of respondents were not aware issues in North Lanarkshire. of any air quality concerns/issues in the area. 13% of respondents answered don’t know or not sure.

Figure 7

Are you aware of air quality concerns/issues in North Lanarkshire (% of total)

60 53.0 34.0 40 20 13.0 0 Yes No Don't know/not sure

Question four presented respondents with As shown in Figure 8 this question yielded some useful a list of potential sources of air pollution information in terms of people’s perceptions of sources of poor air quality. Most respondents highlighted and asked respondents to tick all those they road traffic as contributing most to air pollution (34%) felt contributed most to poor air quality in with other transport accounting for a further 10%. North Lanarkshire Other significant concerns included industry (15.6%), commercial activities (13.8%), and quarries/landfill/ mining (13.6%).

25 Figure 8 Which sources do you think contribute most to air pollution (% of total) 40.0

34.0 35.0

30.0

25.0

20.0 15.6 15.0 13.8 13.6 10.0 10.0 5.8 3.9 5.0 2.2 1.1 0.0

Question five presented respondents with a number of possible measures and asked them to rate each measure on how effective the respondent thinks they would be in helping to improve air quality within North Lanarkshire. Respondents were asked to rate the measures on a scale of 1-5: 1 – NOT VERY EFFECTIVE 2 – 25% EFFECTIVE 3 – 50% EFFECTIVE 4 – 75% EFFECTIVE 5 – VERY EFFECTIVE The results for each measure are presented in Figures 9 to 26. These findings outline how members of the public feel about the effectiveness of identified measures and their impact on improving air quality. In order to simplify this part of the analysis, effectiveness has been grouped into three broad categories: 1. Less effective = ‘not very effective’ + ‘25% effective’. 2. Moderately effective =’50% effective’. 3. More effective = ‘75% effective’ + ‘very effective’. More vehicle exhaust emissions testing (Figure 9) Only 20% of respondents felt that further vehicle emission testing would be less effective in helping to improve poor air quality, compared to 25% who felt this would be moderately effective and 50% who felt it would be more effective.

26 Figure 9

More vehicle exhaust emission testing (% of total)

30 25.0 26.4 23.6 25 20

15 10.7 9.2 10 5.2 5 0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

Enforce fixed penalty Respondents opinions were fairly respondents felt that this would be notices for idling vehicles evenly split in relation to the less effective with 23% believing it effectiveness of this measure in would be moderately effective and (Figure 10) helping to improve poor air quality just under 40% believing it would in North Lanarkshire. 34% of be more effective. Figure 10 Enforce fixed penalty notices for idling vehicles (% of total)

25 23.0 20.4 19.4 19.1 20 14.6 15

10

5 3.6

0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

Improving emissions Only 10.5% said they felt this significant 72.2% of respondents standards for the buses would be a less effective method of felt it be a more effective method. helping to improve air quality with allowed to operate within a further 12.9% saying they felt it North Lanarkshire (Figure 11) would be moderately effective. A Figure 11

Improving emission standards for the buses allowed to operate within North Lanarkshire (% of total) 50 47.5

40

30 24.7

20 12.9 10 6.3 4.2 4.4 0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

27 Improving public transport throughout the district (Figure 12) 14.6% of respondents rated this measure as less effective in improving air quality in North Lanarkshire with 16.4% saying it would be moderately effective. A notable 63.1% of respondents felt it would be a more effective measure.

Figure 12 Improving public transport throughout the district (% of total)

45.0 42.6 40.0 35.0 30.0 25.0 20.5 20.0 16.4 15.0 8.7 10.0 5.9 5.9 5.0 .0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

Encouraging people to use their cars less, especially for short local journeys (Figure 13) Responses to this question were relatively evenly distributed with just under a quarter (24.3%) believing this measure to be less effective and a similar share (23.1%) considering it moderately effective. Almost half of respondents (48.7%) stated that they felt this would be a more effective measure.

Figure 13 Encouraging people to use their cars less, especially for short local journeys (% of total)

30 26.7 23.1 25 22.0 20

15 12.7 11.6 10 4.0 5 0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

28 Providing more information on air quality to the people of North Lanarkshire to help them decide what mode of transport to use (Figure 14) Again, responses to this question were relatively evenly distributed. Over a quarter of respondents (26.6%) felt this to be a less effective means of improving air quality with a similar share (26.8%) stating that they thought it would be a moderately effective. On the other hand, 41.5% of respondents believed this would be a more effective approach.

Figure 14 Providing more information on air quality to the people of North Lanarkshire to help them decide what mode of transport to use (% of total)

30 26.8

25 22.7

20 18.8 14.8 15 11.8

10 5.2 5

0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

North Lanarkshire Council to take the lead by ensuring all Council vehicles use the lowest emission fuels available e.g. introduction of electric vehicles (Figure 15) A total of 18.4% of respondents rated this measure as less effective, with 23.6% of respondents rating the measure as moderately effective and 52.9% stating they felt it would be a more effective measure.

Figure 15 North Lanarkshire Council to take the lead by ensuring that all Council vehicles use the lowest emission fuels available e.g. the introduction of electric vehicles (% of total)

35 32.1 30 23.6 25 20.8 20 15 10.1 10 8.3 5.0 5 0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

29 Introduction of parking charges in areas of poorest air quality (Figure 16) A fairly high level of respondents (59.5%) believed this to be a less effective method of improving air quality with a further 17.2% of respondents considering it to be a moderately effective measure. Only 18% felt it would be a more effective measure.

Figure 16 Introduction of parking charges in areas of the poorest air quality (% of total)

40 37.3 35 30

25 22.2

20 17.2 15 10.2 10 7.8 5.4 5 0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

Stricter enforcement of parking restrictions, particularly on busy roads with double yellow lines etc (Figure 17) The responses to this measure were reasonably evenly distributed with 30.6% believing it would be less effective, 22.2% responding that it would be moderately effective and 41.6% of respondents rating it potentially more effective.

Figure 17 Stricter enforcement of parking restrictions, particularly on busy roads with double yellow lines (% of total)

30 25.7 25 22.2 17.4 20 15.9 13.2 15 10 5.6 5 0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

30 Reducing dust and smoke emissions from construction sites (Figure 18) Only 13.7% felt this measure would be less effective in improving air quality with 25.3% believing it would be moderately effective. A notable 55.1% felt it would be more effective.

Figure 18

Reducing dust and smoke emissions from construction sites (% of total)

30 28.1 27.0 25.3 25

20

15

10 8.9 5.9 4.8 5

0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

More information and guidance for people with domestic coal or wood burners in their homes e.g. Smoke Control Areas (Figure 19) Responses to this measure were fairly evenly distributed with 22.5% stating it would be less effective, 31.3% of the opinion it would be moderately effective and the remaining 40.1% rating the measure as more effective.

Figure 19

More guidance for people who have domestic coal or wood burners in their homes eg Smoke Control Areas (% of total)

35 31.3 30 23.5 25 20 16.6 13.4 15 9.1 10 6.1 5 0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

31 More detailed air quality monitoring to gain further information on the sources and levels of air pollutants within North Lanarkshire (Figure 20) Only 13% of respondents rated this measure as a less effective means of improving air quality with a further 23.8% believing this to be moderately effective. A significant 56.2% of respondents felt it would be more effective.

Figure 20 More detailed air quality monitoring to gain further information on the sources and levels of air pollutants within North Lanarkshire (% of total)

35 29.4 30 26.8 23.8 25 20 15 10 7.8 7.0 5.2 5 0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

Further research into potential initiatives for reducing air pollution, such as tree planting (Figure 21) Only 11.4% rated this measure as a less effective with 19.8% saying it would be moderately effective. A significant share of respondents (61.2%), meanwhile, rated this measure as more effective.

Figure 21 Further research into potential initiatives for reducing air pollution, such as tree planting (% of total)

40 34.1 35 30 27.1 25 19.8 20 15 7.3 7.6 10 4.1 5 0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

32 Work with eco-schools and education to promote the clean air message to the school children of North Lanarkshire (Figure 22) Only 13.5% believed this to be a less effective measure in improving air quality while 20% felt it would be moderately effective. A notable 60.5% of respondents believed this measure would be a more effective means of improving air quality.

Figure 22 Work with eco-schools and education to promote the clean air message to the school children of North Lanarkshire (% of total)

40 35.9 35 30 24.6 25 20.0 20 15

10 7.2 6.3 5.9 5

0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

More information on air quality to be provided to prospective developers, and in particular ways to combat or reduce the effects of development on air quality (Figure 23) 15.3% of respondents were of the view that this would be a less effective measure in improving air quality with 21.6% believing it would be moderately effective. On the other hand, over half of respondents (56.5%) believed this measure would be more effective.

Figure 23 More information on air quality to be provided to prospective developers, and in particular ways to combat or reduce the effects of development on air quality (% of total)

35 28.9 30 27.2

25 21.6 20 15 9.5 10 7.1 5.8 5 0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

33 Extra road cleaning to wash away particulate pollution from dust that has settled on roads and pavements (Figure 24) For this measure, responses were fairly evenly distributed with 18.9% saying it would be less effective, 26.5% saying it would be moderately effective and almost half of respondents (47.8%) saying they thought this would be more effective.

Figure 24 Extra road cleaning to wash away particulate pollution from dust that has settled on roads and pavements (% of total)

30 26.5 26.1 25 21.7

20

15 12.0

10 6.9 6.9

5

0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

Development of Workplace Travel Plans within the Council and other large employers in the area to make sure transport to and from work is as sustainable as possible (Figure 25) For this question, 19.3% viewed the measure to be less effective, 25% viewed it as moderately effective and 50% believed it to be more effective.

Figure 25

Development of Workplace Travel plans within the Council and other large employers in the area to make sure transport to and from work is as sustainable as possible (% of total) 30.0 27.4 25.0 25.0 22.6 20.0

15.0 11.5 7.8 10.0 5.7 5.0 .0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

34 Developing an educational package on air quality to raise awareness of air quality issues in North Lanarkshire (Figure 26) There were mixed views on this proposal with 21.2% believing it to be a less effective measure, 26.3% stating they felt it would be moderately effective and just under half (46.1%) saying it would to be more effective.

Figure 26 Developing an educational package on air quality to raise awareness of air quality issues in North Lanarkshire (% of total)

30.0 26.3 25.0 23.3 22.8

20.0

15.0 11.9 9.3 10.0 6.5 5.0

.0 Not very effective 25% Effective 50% Effective 75% Effective Very Effective Don't know

4.1.2 Discussion of Results of A number of the proposed measures aimed at Public Consultation improving air quality in North Lanarkshire saw a high level of support by respondents. Measures The amount of respondents to the public consultation such as improving emission standards for the buses (545 responses) was very encouraging, and suggests operating within North Lanarkshire, reducing dust and a high level of interest in air quality issues in North emissions from construction sites, and providing more Lanarkshire. In terms of people’s perceptions of air information on public transport to allow informed quality in North Lanarkshire it was notable that almost choices rated highly in their perceived effectiveness half of respondents felt air quality in North Lanarkshire for improving air quality. In addition to this, further is average, and that 61.5% believed it to be about the research into initiatives such as tree planting, and same as other areas in the rest of the West of Scotland. further work with the Council’s eco-schools in order to This is consistent with the responses from the previous promote the clean air message to children was rated consultation, which was run in 2009. highly in their perceived effectiveness. Measures such Just over half of respondents were not aware of air as the introduction of parking charges in areas of the quality concerns in North Lanarkshire and so this may poorest air quality, however, were notably unpopular indicate a need for greater awareness-raising for the and not rated as effective in improving air quality. public in North Lanarkshire, in order that individuals All in all, the consultation exercise was a success and have the knowledge to consider their transport choices yielded a up-to-date insight into public perception in terms of the impact on air quality. of air quality in North Lanarkshire, as well as their favoured methods of improving air quality.

35 4.1.3 North Lanarkshire Council The format of the event comprised two short Citizens Panel presentations outlining the current situation in relation to local air quality management in North North Lanarkshire Council has its own Citizen’s Panel Lanarkshire and set the scene for the update to the set up in order to consult on a variety of issues. In Council’s air quality action plan. Progress made since addition, a random sample of up to 3,000 households the previous action plan was also presented, as were in North Lanarkshire participate in a Residents Survey recent developments, plans and policies which could every 2 to 3 years. The survey looks specifically at the have an impact on air quality in North Lanarkshire. importance of local community issues including air Following the presentations, the delegates were split pollution and how well these are tackled. Through into four smaller groups for group discussion sessions. discussions with colleagues in community engagement Each group was chaired by a facilitator and the and corporate information and research and issues groups discussed each of the AQMAs in turn, with the relating to air quality have been monitored over a facilitator taking notes of the discussions on flip charts. number of years now. After all the discussions were complete each delegate 4.2 Stakeholder Consultation Event was given the opportunity to view all the comments made by the groups and then to vote on what they Following the public consultation exercise, a viewed as the most effective/relevant comments. consultation event was organised for relevant stakeholders. The first stage in this process was to 4.2.1 Results of Stakeholder identify individuals or organisations, both internal and Consultation Event external to the Council who would have an interest The aim of the stakeholder consultation event was in and be able to contribute towards the Council’s to raise awareness and promote discussion of North air quality action plan. This event was held in March Lanarkshire Council’s air quality issues and action 2013 and included representatives from the following plan among relevant, interested parties. Feedback organisations:- from the event indicated that all delegates found the • North Lanarkshire Council Roads and Transportation event interesting and enjoyable. The discussion groups were arranged in such as way as to have a variety of • North Lanarkshire Council Planning delegates from different backgrounds in each group in and Development order to encourage as fruitful a debate as possible. This • North Lanarkshire Council Carbon Management format encouraged a very productive discussion, the • North Lanarkshire Council Protective Services main outcomes of which are noted below. • Elected Members from North Lanarkshire Council Chapelhall AQMA • Neighbouring Councils air quality personnel Discussion for this AQMA focused heavily on the junction at the heart of the AQMA, which is largely • Scottish Government responsible for congestion and air quality issues in • Scottish Environment Protection Agency the area. The proposal for a ban on the right-turn into Lauchope Street, from Main Street, was found to be • Transport Scotland the most popular choice in the voting exercise. Another • Strathclyde Partnership for Transport issue that was consistently raised in the Chapelhall AQMA discussions was the issue of the high volume • Golder Associates of HGVs who pass through this AQMA. Suggestions (the Council’s Air Quality Consultants) for improvements included carrying out a destination survey, improvements on M8/M73 etc to dissuade HGVs from using the alternative route north through the Chapelhall AQMA. A third point, which was raised by 2 of the groups was in looking at school transport in the area to see if this could be improved.

36 Motherwell AQMA Croy AQMA The introduction of a Statutory Quality Partnership for With the current situation where the Croy quarry is not buses was the option that rated highest in discussions operational the discussions in the groups focused on surrounding the Motherwell AQMA. The fact that what should happen if the quarry was to re-open. The Motherwell is a strategic rail hub also featured attachment of conditions in terms of vehicle operation highly, as did the ongoing future development of within and servicing the site as well as improved dust the Ravenscraig site. Participants in all of the groups suppression measures were felt to be of significance recognised that increased cycling and walking routes in improving air quality in the AQMA, as were early in and around Motherwell could have a positive impact discussions with the regulator, SEPA, in terms of the on reducing car use and consequently improved air quarry’s permit to operate. quality. Parking was also mentioned by some of the Moodiesburn AQMA groups as significant in the Motherwell AQMA. Although it was recognised by the groups that Whifflet AQMA air quality in the Moodiesburn AQMA has greatly The discussions around the Whifflet AQMA highlighted improved since the opening of the new M80, one of that the air quality is likely to be altered significantly the groups in particular highlighted concern in relation during the construction phase of the M8 completion to planned future development along the A80 site. This project. In addition to this, some suggestions was rated highly as a concern in the voting exercise. mentioned in the groups included introducing a ban There was also the proposal to introduce cycling routes on parking at the Shawhead junction, improved public in this area along the old A80 road. Most of the groups transport in the area, particularly going from north to recognised that the Moodiesburn AQMA may now be south and vice versa, and traffic destination surveys proposed for revocation as a result of the air quality in order to improve knowledge of who is passing objectives now being met in this area. through the Whifflet AQMA, and why. Softer measures including educating residents on air quality impacts, both in the Whifflet AQMA and all the AQMAs, were felt to be beneficial.

37 Chapter 5: Action Plan Measures

This chapter reports on a number of action plan measures that the Council has identified in pursuance of the improvement of air quality within its AQMAs as well as the North Lanarkshire Council area as a whole. The measures identified fall within two distinct categories – broad based Council-wide measures, and also action plan measures specific to the Council’s five AQMAs.

5.1 Council-wide Action Plan Measures such rev-limiting technology in an initial trial of thirty vehicles, comprising a variety of comparable vehicle It has long since been recognised that there is no types across the Council’s vehicle fleet. immediate solution evident for improving air quality within any of the Council’s AQMAs. Despite this, Action Plan Measure 1 – the Council will conduct a however, it is clear that real improvements can still be trial project into the use of rev-control technology made through the widespread introduction of certain on a number of appropriate Council vehicles in measures across the Council as a whole. It would order to ensure more efficient driving and thus be fair to say that these can be regarded as softer reduced emissions. options, however, when taken on a large scale, their cumulative effect can be quite significant. In addition The Council has recently invested in emissions to their benefits to air quality, they can also serve to diagnostic testing equipment, both as a fixed reinforce the message that air quality is an issue that feature of the Council’s transport workshop, and we should also be aware of and help to influence in also mobile emissions diagnostic testing equipment. a positive way. As North Lanarkshire Council is the This equipment has the benefit of providing real- largest employer in this area, with a significantly sized time emissions information on vehicles undergoing vehicle fleet, any measures integral to the Council testing and can be used to identify or diagnose engine can certainly be said to have an impact on air quality. problems that are giving rise to increased air pollutant Positive measures detailed in this Air Quality Action emissions. Plan clearly demonstrate that the Council is leading by example in terms of its commitment to improving Action Plan Measure 2 – the Council will utilise local air quality, both within the AQMAs and across the the recently purchased fixed and mobile emissions Council area as a whole. diagnostic equipment to undertake a programme 5.1.1 Transport Related Action of emissions diagnostic testing on the Council’s plan Measures vehicle fleet both during routine servicing operations and also on an ad-hoc basis, out on site, Rev-control technology is an emerging method of as required. improving the emissions performance of vehicles undertaking town-driving. The technology works by The Council is committed to supporting the expansion limiting the number of revs an engine can make. This of electric vehicles within its fleet. Potential has been has the effect of making the vehicle operate more noted for the purchase of an electric minibus by the efficiently and realise reduced emissions and more council, as part of its rolling bus fleet repalcement efficient fuel usage, as a result of a reduction in the scheme. number of revs the engine is able to make. The Council plans to undertake a feasibility study into the use of

38 Action Plan Measure 3 – the Council will purchase standards in the Council’s vehicles are continuously and introduce an electric powered minibus for improving, to guarantee the best outcomes in terms transport for a school immediately adjacent to one of vehicle exhaust emissions, as well as fuel economies of the Council’s AQMAs – the pick-up points for the and carbon emissions. Action school all lie within and adjacent to the Whifflet AQMA. The performance of this vehicle will be Plan Measure 6 – the Council will introduce vehicle assessed in due course with a view to informing emissions standards into it procurement policy. As future purchasing strategy. part of this the Council pledges that it will ensure that at least 50% of the Council’s vehicle fleet will The Council has, following an initial feasibility study, be of Euro 5 engine standard or better. which was detailed in the previous air quality action plan, favoured the introduction of pool cars for use The Council’s previous air quality action plan included by employees required to drive during the course an action plan measure which pledged that the of their normal Council business. As well as having introduction of Automatic Vehicle Logging Systems economic benefits for the Council it is recognised that (AVL) technology would be considered by all Council the use of pool cars enables the Council to influence departments. the type of vehicles on the roads, and ensure they are of a certain engine standard, properly maintained etc. Action Plan Measure 7 – following the initial this has clear benefits in terms of the Council’s carbon feasibility study into the introduction of AVLS reduction commitments as well as influencing its technology, the Council will ensure that 50% of contribution to local air quality. the Council’s vehicle fleet will be fitted with AVLS technology by 2014. Action Plan Measure 4 – following the success of the initial feasibility trial into the use of pool cars North Lanarkshire Council has been fortunate to the Council will significantly extend its Council pool have been able to take advantage of certain funding car fleet to 200 by 2015. opportunities aimed at the introduction of, and expansion of, electric vehicles for use as pool cars. Over recent years the Council has invested heavily in electric charging infrastructure, both within Council Action Plan Measure 8 – Subject to Government car parks and also at the main Council depot. Electric funding being available, the Council will continue cars have also been purchased and used as pool cars its roll-out of electric vehicle fleet, following initial by Council employees. In addition to this the Council feasibility study and evaluation of first batch has recognised that there are benefits to investigating performance. other types of electric vehicles in addition to the passenger vehicles already purchased. This would be As previously indicated, the Council has purchased of particular use if the vehicles were to be used within a number of electric vehicles to be used by Council heavily populated areas of known slow-moving traffic. employees as pool cars for work-related travel. Clearly, in addition to the purchase of the electric Action Plan Measure 5 – the Council will purchase vehicles themselves there requires to be a suitable and and introduce two electric road sweepers for sufficient infrastructure of electric vehicle charging use in the Coatbridge and Airdrie areas of North points in order to maximise the use and efficiency of Lanarkshire. Their areas of operation will include such electric vehicles. both the Whifflet and Chapelhall AQMAs. Action Plan Measure 9 – purchase and installation There are obvious advantages to ensuring the of electric vehicle charging points within the main Council’s vehicle fleet is as environmentally efficient as Council buildings, with particular emphasis on possible. All Council vehicles are replaced on a rolling those within or adjacent to the Council’s AQMAs. basis over a period of years. This ensures that engine

39 5.1.2 Protective Services Over the past several years the Council has continued Action Plan Measures to site more and more passive diffusion tubes in order to act as a screening tool for air quality emissions As a large proportion of Scotland’s arterial road across the district. Some of the locations of the passive network runs through the North Lanarkshire Council diffusion tubes are now no longer representative area it has long since been noted that discussions and as such the Council feel it is time to review the should take place with Transport Scotland in order to locations of the air quality monitoring points. progress potential solutions to the air quality problems associated with trunk roads in the area. In 2012 a Action Plan Measure 13 – the Council will undertake new working group, Scottish Transport Emissions a comprehensive review of its air quality monitoring Partnership (STEP) was set up for Scotland as a whole, network in order to ensure appropriate coverage of the remit of which is to look at transport and air the Council area and identified hot-spots. quality. North Lanarkshire Council has representation on this group through the Central and West Pollution 5.1.3 Carbon Management Liaison Group. Action Plan Measures Action Plan Measure 10 – the Council will continue The Council has made significant progress over its efforts to work with Transport Scotland via the the past few years in terms of mainstreaming its Scottish Transport Emissions Partnership (STEP) commitment to Sustainability by including it in working group to identify possible solutions to the Service Planning Process and the performance air quality issues attributable to the trunk road management systems within the Council. As part of network in North Lanarkshire. this commitment, the Council has set up a Sustainable Development Delivery Framework, and part of this The Council has been undertaking Vehicle Emission includes the formation of the Climate Change and Testing (VET) within the AQMAs (as well as other parts Sustainability working group. Air Quality and the air of the district) since 2006. To date, 12557 vehicles have quality action plan is a standing item on the agenda of been stopped and tested, with 85 resulting in Fixed this group. Penalty Notices being served. for vehicle idling. The Council has recognised that initiatives designed to meet the Council’s climate change and carbon Action Plan Measure 11 – the VET exercise will reduction commitments can sometimes lead to continue to be run within the AQMAs, as well as the a conflict of interests in terms of local air quality North Lanarkshire Council as a whole. management. In recognition of this, the Council’s carbon management initiatives are now discussed In addition to the Vehicle Emission Testing initiative, at the pre-planning stage at the Sustainability and in 2008 the Council began a scheme of Vehicle Idling Climate Change Working Group. Enforcement. This has primarily been focused on areas surrounding schools and educational establishments. Action Plan Measure 14 – Local Air Quality To date, 683 school idling patrols have taken place, Management will be included as a standing item with 1091 drivers receiving warnings and 6 drivers on the Council’s Sustainability and Climate Change being served with fixed penalty notices for vehicle Working Group. This will ensure alignment of the idling. Council’s carbon reduction measures with the Council’s statutory responsibilities in terms of local Action Plan Measures 12 - the Vehicle Idling air quality management. Enforcement programme will also continue, ensuring that all schools within, or within 500 metres of the Council’s AQMAs will be the subject of a Vehicle Idling Enforcement campaign.

40 North Lanarkshire Council recognises the benefits Action Plan Measure 17 – the Council will prepare of reducing carbon emissions from schools and has and publish a web-based learning tool on air installed a number of biomass boilers and photovoltaic quality for senior primary school children in panels in schools throughout the district. In addition to North Lanarkshire. This will be complementary to this, a number of schools have had oil heating replaced the Curriculum for Excellence and involve cross- with gas heating, which consequently yields significant curricular learning. carbon savings and reduced particulate and sulphur dioxide emissions. 5.1.5 Planning Action Plan Measures

Action Plan Measure 15 – the Council will continue Air Quality Planning Guidance for Developers was its programme of introducing sustainable energy prepared under the Council’s previous air quality provision in schools and Council buildings, with action plan. This guidance has been issued to particular emphasis on the Council’s AQMAs, where developers over the past few years and serves as appropriate. a good information resource in terms of what is required in terms of air quality information under the The Council carried out an Emissions Inventory exercise development management process. As this air quality in 2006, which yielded valuable information on guidance is now a few years old it is felt that an update levels and sources of Local Air Quality Management to the original air quality planning guidance would be pollutants across the North Lanarkshire area. It is felt appropriate. that this exercise should now be updated, with the inclusion of carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, Action Plan Measure 18 – the Council’s Air Quality in order to identify common working areas and Guidance for Developers will be updated in line information-sharing. with current best practice.

Action Plan Measure 16 – an updated Emissions The ongoing Town centre Improvement Initiative Inventory Report will be prepared and published is seen as a vital, long-term initiative aimed at to incorporate both Local Air Quality Management reinvigorating the town centres in North Lanarkshire. pollutants and also Greenhouse Gas pollutants. This initiative ties in with Scottish Government policy and also the Council’s Corporate Plan. Protective Services has had a remit to date in attending the Town 5.1.4 Education Action Plan Measures Centre Frameworks Improvement Workshops, to Educating school children is an effective way of ensure that air quality is considered in any discussions ensuring the air quality message is fed back to the concerning changes and improvements to town wider household. The Curriculum for Excellence centres in North Lanarkshire. contains a number of learning outcomes for each of the priority subject areas. It has been identified that Action Plan Measure 19 – air quality will be given air quality ties in closely with two of the learning due consideration in any proposed town centre outcomes of the Social Studies curriculum. The Council improvement work, through Protective Services’ has identified a need for a learning package on air representation on the Town Centre Improvement quality. This would involve cross-curricular learning Stakeholder Meetings. and would be web-based, for use by pupils in the classroom or at home. It would be aimed at primary 5, 6 and 7 pupils and would also link in with the Transport section of the Eco-Schools programme.

41 The Council has realised that the development arrangements and infrastructure necessary for the management process has a significant role to play in introduction and promotion of cycling for employees ensuring that new developments take due cognisance of the Council will be indentified and put in place over of the Council’s air quality issues. The development the coming years, as funding becomes available. management process can often be critical in ensuring awareness of the Air Quality Management Areas Action Plan Measure 22 – a Cycling Promotion in existence as well as recognising areas at risk of Initiative will take place in North Lanarkshire at potential future development in terms of the potential the main Council buildings, and with particular for introducing receptors into areas of poor air quality, emphasis on Council buildings within or adjacent to and of creeping development. the Council’s AQMAs.

Action Plan Measure 20 – Introduction of air quality Significant progress continues to be made in terms training programme for local authority planners to of the preparation of School Travel Plans for schools raise awareness of air quality issues. in North Lanarkshire. The onus of school travel plans lies with the school itself, however help in preparing 5.1.6 Roads Strategy and Safety the plans is available from the Council’s Travel Plan Action Plan Measures Coordinators, based within the Roads Section. The Draft Workplace Travel Plan which was initiated Action Plan Measure 23 – the Council will write under the previous air quality action plan will be to all primary schools within and adjacent to the further developed over the course of this new updated AQMAs to promote the uptake of School Travel air quality action plan. The Council will establish a Plans. short-term working group of appropriate officers throughout the Council to help develop and take 5.2 Action Plan Measures – forward the Council-wide travel plan. As part of this exercise, contact has been made with key departments Motherwell AQMA throughout the Council to coordinate details of any Discussions have taken place between North travel-planning type activities currently engaged Lanarkshire Council and Strathclyde Partnership for throughout the Council. Transport (SPT) in relation to a feasibility study in relation to the potential development and introduction Action Plan Measure 21 – the Council will progress of a Statutory Quality Partnership for bus transport in the Workplace Travel Plan, focusing on the travel to Motherwell. The Council has been awarded funding work and sustainable transport aspects of the Plan. to carry out a feasibility study based on measures provided through initial work carried out by SPT. As Road conditions and driving styles and competence part of this exercise the Council’s Paramics traffic are recognised as significant contributors of traffic- microsimulation model will be updated for the related pollution levels. The Council’s road safety Motherwell area. and strategy team are in the process of developing a web-based information resource on better driving Action Plan Measure 24 – the Council will duly techniques. Information such as accelerating/braking consider the outcome of the feasibility study into more smoothly, switching off engines if stopped at the potential for a Statutory Quality Partnership for traffic lights, removing roof racks when not in use etc. bus provision in Motherwell. will be included in this initiative. a “better driving” information resource will be prepared and published on the Council’s website. Through the initial work that has been done on the Council’s Workplace Travel Plan it has been noted that there is significant interest in cycling initiatives around the workplace. As such, it is hoped that the

42 The Council continues to strive towards less congestion The Ravenscraig development is a long-term project and improved traffic movements through Motherwell for the Motherwell area. As part of the proposed Town Centre, and in particular the Motherwell AQMA. Ravenscraig development there is a proposal to build Work will be undertaken to investigate potentially an extension to the existing Airbles Road to form a new excessive lay-over times of bus companies in and access road into the Ravenscraig site. This is still at the around the Muir Street area of Motherwell, adjacent to design stage. The road will pass through built-up land Motherwell station. at the top of Airbles Road then up and over the existing , proceeding to the current Action Plan Measure 25 – the Council will purchase cul-de-sac at the new Motherwell College Campus. and install CCTV technology to investigate any Currently Ravenscraig Limited, the site owners, has cases of excessive idling and waiting in the Muir instructed a consultant to conduct a feasibility study Street area of Motherwell. for this road which will thereafter be submitted to for their consideration. This is a long- The Council recognises the strategic importance of term project with significant financial implications the Motherwell Rail Interchange as a transport hub and the completion of the road is not necessary for for travellers. The down-side of this, however, is the further development of the Ravenscraig site as there amount of additional traffic generated by commuters. are already two access roads in existence. In addition to this access road, consultants acting for Ravenscraig Action Plan Measure 26 – the Council has identified Limited have looked at several of the road junctions two sites that are suitable for use as park and ride within Motherwell Town Centre, and have run them facilities for rail commuters in Motherwell. The through the Paramics microsimulation transport Council will build two new park and ride facilities modelling software package. at strategic points in Motherwell in order to ease congestion caused by rail travellers. The location Action Plan Measure 28 – the Council will duly of the proposed car parks is such that a reasonable consider the outcome of the modelling project amount of traffic will be removed from having to for the proposed Airbles Road extension, and drive directly through the Motherwell AQMA to get also the proposed changes and any mitigation to the station. One of the car parks would further measures proposed for the impact on traffic in the benefit from the construction of a pedestrian Motherwell AQMA from the ongoing development footbridge from High Street into the Station – this of the Ravenscraig site. is currently being considered as a future project by Network Rail. The A723 which runs from Carfin to Holytown is considered to be a significant travel route for those The Council has carried out extensive works in the accessing North Motherwell and the Ravenscraig site to Windmillhill Road area to widen the road such that it or from the M8 motorway. There is a current proposal supports four lanes of traffic. This has had the effect of to upgrade this road to dual carriageway status. This easing congestion and queuing traffic in the area. This would have the effect of ensuring less congestion has been done from the Motherwell AQMA boundary and more free-flowing traffic along this stretch of up to a pedestrian underpass, an area of 300 metres. road, thus decreasing stop-start traffic and improving In order to make the road four lanes wide at the emissions. It should also serve to divert traffic from pedestrian underpass, significant engineering work travelling through the Motherwell AQMA. Currently would be necessary in order to strengthen the road at this project is at the design stage. this point. This would clearly incur substantial cost. Action Plan Measure 29 – the Council will support Action Plan Measure 27 – the Council will consider and progress, depending on the availability the design and subsequent cost implications of of funding, the dualling of the A723, between widening the stretch of Windmillhill Street from Motherwell and the M8 motorway. the pedestrian underpass to the Flemington Roundabout in future budget decisions.

43 5.3 Action Plan Measures – Action Plan Measure 32 – dependent on funding, Chapelhall AQMA the Council will investigate the feasibility of introducing an environmental fleet recognition The main junction at the heart of the Chapelhall scheme in the North Lanarkshire area. AQMA – Lauchope Street/ Main Street, has long since been recognised as an area of traffic congestion, and 5.4 Action Plan Measures – Whifflet AQMA consequently, of poor air quality, hence the declaration of the AQMA in this location. Work has been carried The Whifflet AQMA will shortly be affected by altered out over recent years by the Council, funded by SPT on traffic movements as a result of the construction phase looking into the feasibility of various potential junction of the M8 completion project. This work is due to improvements aimed at dealing with congestion in being in 2014. In addition to this, the Whifflet AQMA this area. The outcomes from this feasibility study have is due to be amended to include the Shawhead area of still to be analysed and it is hoped that this will identify Coatbridge to take account of monitoring exceedences improvements that can be taken forward to the design in this area. The Shawhead area in question directly stage. adjoins the Whifflet AQMA and the M8 motorway.

Action Plan Measure 30 - North Lanarkshire Council Action Plan Measure 33 – the Whifflet AQMA will will seek to secure funding from SPT to take forward be amended to include the monitored exceedences any viable junction improvements identified in the of the annual mean PM10 national air quality feasibility study to the design stage. objective.

The Council has identified that there are a number The Council are currently organising and installing of potential pinch-points along the A73 corridor, automatic air quality monitoring at another site in between Chapelhall and Airdrie, which is felt could be Coatbridge, close to the Whifflet AQMA, on the impacting on the Chapelhall AQMA. opposite side from Shawhead. This site is showing high levels of NO2 from diffusion tube monitoring in Action Plan Measure 31 – the Council will undertake the area. If automatic monitoring in this area identifies a Detailed Assessment on air quality along the exceedences of the national air quality objective, it is A73 corridor, taking into account traffic flows, likely that this area will also be incorporated into the junctions, potential development sites etc. with a existing Whifflet AQMA. view to identifying any problem areas and potential solutions to traffic congestion in this area. Action Plan Measure 34 – additional air quality monitoring will take place in Coatbridge and the It has been identified that a significant proportion of Whifflet AQMA further extended if necessary. the air quality issues in the Chapelhall AQMA arise from high levels of HGV traffic in the area. This is due to the The developer-led connecting road which runs from large number of small haulage/logistics companies the existing Greenend roundabout on the B753 Calder in the area and also the preference of a number of Street is an ongoing project, with the first section HGV drivers to leave the M8 and travel along the being completed by the initial developer. A73 through Chapelhall to join the M80 going north at Cumbernauld. It is felt that the introduction of Action Plan Measure 33 – the Council will endorse an environmental fleet recognition scheme, such as this develop-led road link, which is hoped will Ecostars would have the potential to greatly influence assist in alleviating congestion levels in the Whifflet HGV drivers in the area. Not only would the companies AQMA. who apply to join the scheme be assessed for their environmental performance, they are also given free route-planning assistance and it is felt this could yield significant improvements in HGV traffic through the Chapelhall AQMA.

44 5.5 Action Plan Measures – 5.6 Action Plan Measures – Croy AQMA Moodiesburn AQMA At the time of declaration of the Croy AQMA the exact With the construction of the new M80 upgrade now sources of PM10 exceedence in this area was not complete the air quality objective levels are now being clear. Initial source apportionment testing had proved met within the Moodiesburn AQMA. With the traffic inconclusive, with possible sources being the adjacent on the old A80 carriageway now being drastically quarry and also road traffic emissions from traffic using reduced the emphasis can shift to ensuring optimal the nearby park and ride facility at Croy railway station. traffic flow in the side roads in this area. Since declaration of the AQMA, however, Croy quarry has ceased operations, as a result of the economic Action Plan Measure 35 – traffic signals will be downturn and consequently PM10 levels in the Croy optimised in this area to ensure a more appropriate AQMA now meet the national air quality objective. The allocation of time reducing queuing vehicles on Council, therefore has no plans to carry out any work Stoneyetts Road and Avenuehead Road. in this area, at the current time, other than to continue to monitor air quality in the area using the automatic With the completion of the new M80 upgrade the monitor in place at Croy. traffic through the Moodiesburn area in general has altered. Action Plan Measure 37 – the Council will continue to monitor air quality in the Croy AQMA. Action Plan Measure 36 – the Council will duly consider the air quality impact of any potential It is recognised that the current non-operational status development adjacent to the new M80. of Croy Quarry is clearly subject to change, should the owners decide to re-start quarrying in the area.

Action Plan Measure 38 - Should the quarry being operations once more the Council will enter dialogue with SEPA in relation to attaching appropriate licence conditions such that PM10 levels in the area do not rise above the national air quality objective.

45 6.0 Evaluation of Action Plan Measures

Evaluation is an essential part of the action planning process. As such, each individual measure identified in the air quality action plan requires to be evaluated in terms of its effectiveness as well as its economic cost, in order to assess the cost effectiveness of each measure. In addition to this the practicalities of introducing each measure, as well as the political and public acceptance of each action plan measure will also need to be assessed in evaluating each measure. Finally, any potential for adverse effects on other environmental or social aspects should also be considered.

DEFRA and the Devolved detailed cost-effectiveness analysis. For the purpose of the air quality Administrations have issued A scoping assessment, therefore, assessment the result of the air practical guidance on Economic has been undertaken of each action quality benefit has been assessed principles for the Assessment of plan measure. within the following bands:- Local Measures to Improve Air A semi-quantitative assessment, • Low local air quality benefits Quality. The guidance advises a relying on a level of judgement has equals 1% improvement; two stage process, the initial stage been adopted. The method used is of which is to undertake a scoping • Medium local air quality benefit outlined below:- assessment of each measure equals 2-5% improvement; and • The description of the option against:- • Large local air quality benefit and the proposed change to be • Estimation of benefits (including equals >5% improvement. brought about by the option consideration of the potential is used alongside the source Air quality benefit is presented economic benefits of emissions apportionment analysis to define using the following key: and air quality improvements); what proportion of emissions • Estimation of cost is then would potentially be affected by Air Quality Symbol explained; and the action plan measure; Improvement Low √ • Weighted consideration of • The proportion of emissions other relevant issues such as potentially affected by the option Medium √√ practicality, including legal, and the view on how far they High √√√ technical and social barriers. could be changed by the option It should be noted that the are combined to express a view Once the measures have been precise improvement in air quality on how much emissions may be strategically reviewed or scoped attributable to each measure reduced in the AQMA due to the out the guidance recommends cannot be accurately quantified action plan measure; and undertaking detailed analysis of the at this stage. The appraisal of air cost-benefits of implementing each • A view is then expressed on quality benefit has therefore been measure. The various measures how significant this change in determined based on professional outlined in this Action Plan are not, emissions would be in terms of judgement and with reference to in the main, sufficiently detailed making progress towards the air work undertaken as part of the or specific enough to allow a quality standard in the AQMA. Further Assessment.

46 Perceptions & Practicability Financial savingFinancial No direct Financial savingFinancial Financial savingFinancial Feasibility Positive Positive for Council. for effects, improved procurement decisions only. to Council for Council. for study with view to future procurement decisions. effect on fuel economy. Costs saving to Council. effect on fuel economy. Costs saving to Council. Non-Air Non-Air Quality Impacts Carbon Carbon Carbon Carbon Carbon. Carbon Carbon Noise benefits benefits

Air Quality Benefit Low √ Medium √√ High √√√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Cost to to Cost Council Low < £50K Medium £50K - £500K High >£500K Low Low Low High Medium Low Low – MediumLow Timescale Current Short yrs 1-2 Term Medium 3-5 yrs +5yrs Long Term Short Short Short Medium Short Short Short Responsibility Transport Transport Transport Transport Transport Transport Air Quality Symbol Transport Manager Manager Manager Manager Manager Manager Manager Improvement Low √ Medium √√ High √√√ Logging System (AVLS) in 20% of Council vehicles as advanced feasibility study. to Council vehicle procurement 50% vehicles to be By 2014 policy. 5 standard.Euro road sweepers for use in AQMAs (Whifflett Chapelhall) and by 2015 to reduce private car use 2015 by business. Council for electric powered minibus for transport school for within AQMA. Performance of vehicle to be assessed with view to future purchasing strategy. emissions diagnostic testing on servicing vehicles during Council and of mobile emissions diagnostic testing where appropriate limiters on Council vehicles to ensure more efficient driving and reduced emissions. Initial batch of 30 vehicles to be trialled and measures to be rolled out across fleet if successful. Council Introduction of Automatic Vehicle Introduction of emissions standards Introduction of electric powered Extension of Council pool car fleet Purchase and introduction of Implement a programme of Purchase and installation of rev- 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Action Transport

47 Perceptions & Practicability - Continued Continued Continued Continued Council officer Required Feasibility study dedicated resource. dedicated resource. attendance to ensure NLC are aware of ongoing best practice and ensuring NLC are contributing to influencing national policy. to support feasibility study above. to evaluate the ability to replicate across Council

Non-Air Non-Air Quality Impacts - Carbon - Carbon Carbon Carbon Noise Noise Noise benefits

Air Quality Benefit Low √ Medium √√ High √√√ √ √ √ √ √ √ Cost to to Cost Council Low < £50K Medium £50K - £500K High >£500K Low Low Low Low` Medium Medium Timescale Current Short yrs 1-2 Term Medium 3-5 yrs +5yrs Long Term Short Short Short Short Short Short Responsibility Protective Protective Protective Protective Roads Transport Services Services Services Services Department Manager air quality monitoring network to ensure appropriate coverage of Council area and identified hot- spots enforcement within AQMAs enforcement programme, focussed on AQMAs Emissions Partnership to (STEP) ensure air emissions from trunk roads in North Lanarkshire are adequately considered. charging points in Council car parks for use Council and by general public in fleet. Roll-out to be extended following evaluation of first batch performance. Undertake continued review of Continued vehicleContinued idling Continued emissions testing Membership of Scotland Transport Introduction of electric vehicle Council roll-out of electric vehicles 13. 12. 11. 10. 9. 8. Action Protective Services Transport

48 Perceptions & Practicability Ensures greater - - Linked to Phased Ensures greater emphasis on co-policy decisions APM14 ensuring greater emphasis on co-policy decisions programme on dependent funding Council decisions emphasis on co-policy decisions

Non-Air Non-Air Quality Impacts - - - Carbon Carbon - Noise Noise

Air Quality Benefit Low √ Medium √√ High √√√ √ √ √ √ √ - Cost to to Cost Council Low < £50K Medium £50K - £500K High >£500K Low Low Low Low High Long Term Timescale Current Short yrs 1-2 Term Medium 3-5 yrs +5yrs Long Term Short Short Short Short Medium term Long term Responsibility Environmental Environmental Learning and and Learning Corporate Learning and and Learning Environmental Services Services Leisure Services / Environmental Services Leisure Services on Council town centreon Council town programmeimprovement stakeholder group to ensure redevelopment programmes take of air qualitycognisance concerns. air quality a web-based learning tool on air quality for senior Primary School children (P5-7) and roll-out across schools in area to be extended carbon to cover emissions. Greater linkage between corporate reporting and LAQM upgraded energy provision in buildingsschools and council within AQMAs, changeover from HFO to gas and PV. on the Council’s sustainability and the on Council’s climate change group Environmental health represented Update Guidance for Developers on Council will prepare and publish Council LAQM emission inventory Introduction of programme of LAQM included as a standing item 19. 18. 17. 16. 15. 14. Action Planning Education Carbon management Carbon

49 Perceptions & Practicability Require joint Developed in Requires Roads Requires Roads Require joint - - - Ensures greater working with SPT co-operation with SPT department engineering design department engineering design working with SPT emphasis on co-policy decisions Non-Air Non-Air Quality Impacts Noise Carbon - - Carbon Carbon Carbon Carbon - Noise Noise Noise Noise Noise

Air Quality Benefit Low √ Medium √√ High √√√ √ √ √√ √ √√ √√ √ √ √ Cost to to Cost Council Low < £50K Medium £50K - £500K High >£500K Low Medium Medium Medium Medium Low Low Low Low Timescale Current Short yrs 1-2 Term Medium 3-5 yrs +5yrs Long Term Medium Short Short Long Short Short Medium Medium Short Responsibility Roads Roads Roads Environmental Roads Environmental Roads Education Environmental Services Services Services at strategicat points in Motherwell Centre in order to ease Town congestion caused by rail travellers Road to form a new access road theinto Ravenscraig site. lay-over times of bus companies in and around the Muir Street area of Motherwell to adjacent Motherwell, Station. the potential development and introduction of a Statutory Quality PartnershipBus week programme local for authority planners to raise awareness of air quality issues. Two new park and rideTwo facilities Widening of Windmillhill Street Extension to the existing Airbles Investigate potential excessive Feasibility study in relation to Cycling promotion initiative Cycling planSchool to school / walk Travel Council Work place travel plan Introduction of air quality training 26. 27. 28. 25. 24. 22. 23. 21. 20. Action Motherwell AQMA Roads Strategy and Safety Planning

50 Perceptions & Practicability - - Requires Scot - Requires Roads Requires Roads Developed in Gov’t grantGov’t support department engineering design department engineering design co-operation with SPT Non-Air Non-Air Quality Impacts - - Carbon - - - Carbon Noise Noise

Air Quality Benefit Low √ Medium √√ High √√√ √ √ √√ √√ √ √ √√ Cost to to Cost Council Low < £50K Medium £50K - £500K High >£500K Low Low Low Low Medium Medium Medium Timescale Current Short yrs 1-2 Term Medium 3-5 yrs +5yrs Long Term Short Short Short Short Long Long Long Responsibility Environmental Environmental Environmental Roads Roads Roads Environmental Services Services Services Services within the Whifflet AQMA. This AQMA will shortly be extended to include the Shawhead area of Coatbridge Recognition Scheme Road to form a new access road theinto Ravenscraig site. for Transport (SPT) to secure funding to take forward proposed junction improvements within the AQMA Chapelhall to the north of Motherwell. from Chapelhall through to Airdrie, to identify pinch-points which becould impacting on the AQMA. Installation analyser of NO2 Ongoing monitoring continue will Introduction of Ecostars Fleet Extension to the existing Airbles Work with Strathclyde Partnership Proposed dualling of the road A723 Detailed Assessment of A73 corridor 34. 33. 32. 28. 30. 29. 31. Action Whiflett Motherwell AQMA Chapelhall

51 Perceptions & Practicability - - Linked to Local - Plan Non-Air Non-Air Quality Impacts - - - -

Air Quality Benefit Low √ Medium √√ High √√√ √ √ √√ √√ Cost to to Cost Council Low < £50K Medium £50K - £500K High >£500K Low Low Low Low Timescale Current Short yrs 1-2 Term Medium 3-5 yrs +5yrs Long Term Medium Short Medium Short Responsibility Environmental Environmental Roads Development Services Services Control regarding conditions to be attached to the quarry should operation restart. concentrations in AQMA. Stoneyetts Road and Avenuehead Road. adjacent to the new M80. Extensive liaison with SEPA Continue to Monitor PM10 Monitor PM10 to Continue Optimisation of traffic signals for Planning restrictions on land 38. 37. 35. 36. Action Croy Moodiesburn

52 7.0 Monitoring and Evaluation of Action Plan

The Council will continue to monitor air quality within each of the AQMAs to determine the improvements achieved by the Action Plan measures. The improvements will be monitored on an ongoing basis, however the overall improvement to air quality will only be accurately determined over an extended period as weather and other factors can lead to inter-annual variation in pollutant concentrations. The individual measures contained within the Action Plan will be monitored on an annual basis and the progress reported in the relevant annual LAQM reports. It is intended that the Action Plan will be an ongoing process which will develop as other Council policies and plans and development proposals change or are introduced. This current Action Plan will run for the period 2013-2016, at which point it will once again be updated to take account of any relevant changes.

53 Appendix 1: Maps of AQMAs

54 55 56 Appendix 2: List of Tables

Table 1: Pollutant Objectives outlined in the National Air Quality Strategy Table 2: Measured Annual mean PM10 Concentrations within each AQMA 2007 to 2012 Table 3: 2010 Air Quality Action Plan Progress

57 Appendix 3: List of figures

Figure 1: 2010 Background PM10 concentrations (µg/m3) Figure 2: PM10 concentrations 2007 to 2011 Figure 3: Survey response outlining location of respondents Figure 4: Survey response outlining age of respondents Figure 5: Survey response outlining respondent’s rating of air quality in North Lanarkshire Figure 6: Survey response comparing air quality in North Lanarkshire with the rest of the west of Scotland Figure 7: Survey response outlining respondent’s awareness of air quality concerns/issues in North Lanarkshire Figure 8: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on source contribution of air quality in North Lanarkshire Figure 9: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of more vehicle exhaust emission testing in AQMAs Figure 10: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectivenss of greater enforcement of fixed penalty notices for idling vehicles within AQMAs Figure 11: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of improving emission standards for buses allowed to operate within North Lanarkshire Figure 12: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of improving public transport throughout the area Figure 13: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of encouraging people to use their own cars less, especially on short local journeys Figure 14: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of providing more information on air quality to the people of North Lanarkshire to help them decide what mode of transport to use Figure 15: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of the Council taking the lead by ensuring that all Council vehicles use the lowest emission fuels available Figure 16: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of introducing parking charges in areas of the poorest air quality Figure 17: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of stricter enforcement of parking restrictions, particularly on busy roads with double yellow lines in North Lanarkshire Figure 18: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of reducing dust and smoke emissions from construction sites in North Lanarkshire Figure 19: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of providing more guidance for people who have domestic coal or wood burners in their homes Figure 20: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of carrying out more detailed air quality monitoring to gain further information on the sources and levels of air pollutants within North Lanarkshire Figure 21: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of carrying out further research into potential initiatives for reducing air pollution, such as tree planting

58 Figure 22: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of working with eco-schools and education to promote the clean air message to school children of North Lanarkshire Figure 23: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of providing more air quality information to prospective developers, and in particular how to combat or reduce the effects of development on air quality Figure 24: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of ensuring extra road cleaning to wash away particulate pollution from dust that has settled on roads and pavements Figure 25: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of developing Workplace Travel Plans within the Council and other large employers in the area to ensure transport to and from work is as sustainable as possible Figure 26: Survey response outlining respondent’s views on the effectiveness of developing an educational package on air quality to raise awareness of air quality issues in North Lanarkshire

59 Appendix 4: Questionnaire from Public Consultation

Street/postcode:

Name: Tel: Age: under 17 18-60 over 60 Air Quality Management - Public Consultation Please be assured that any information you provide will be treated in confidence and results only published in summary form. If there is anything you don’t wish to answer please just skip to the next question. 1 How do you rate air quality in North Lanarkshire? (tick one only)

Very good Average Very poor Good Poor Don’t know 2 How do you think air quality in 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 3 Are you aware of any air quality concerns/issues in North Lanarkshire? Yes No Don’t know/not sure 4 Which sources of pollution do you think contribute most to poor air quality in North Lanarkshire? (please tick all those you think apply) Agriculture Commercial activities (eg construction sites) Domestic activities (eg coal burning/wood burning stoves) Quarries/landfill/mining activities Industry (eg factories) Road traffic (cars, buses, HGVs) Other transport sources (eg diesel trains) Don’t know Other (please specify)

60 5 In North Lanarkshire we have identified five particular areas where air quality levels need to be improved. 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 More vehicle exhaust emission testing 1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

Enforce fixed penalty notices for idling vehicles

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

Improving emission standards for buses allowed to operate within North Lanarkshire

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

Improving public transport throughout the district

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

Encouraging people to use their cars less, especially for short local journeys

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

Providing more information on air quality to the people of North Lanarkshire to help them decide what mode of transport to use

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

North Lanarkshire Council to take the lead by ensuring all Council vehicles use the lowest emission fuels available, eg. introduction of electric vehicles

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

Introduction of parking charges in areas of poorest air quality

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

Stricter enforcement of parking restrictions, particularly in busy roads with double yellow lines etc.

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

61 Residential and industrial Reducing dust and smoke emissions from construction sites

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

More information and guidance for people with domestic coal or wood burners in their homes (eg Smoke Control Areas)

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

More detailed air quality monitoring to gain further information on sources and levels of air pollutants within North Lanarkshire.

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

Initiatives

Further research into potential initiatives for reducing air pollution, such as tree planting

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

Work with eco-schools and education to promote the clean air message to school children of North Lanarkshire

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

Provide more information to prospective developers on how to combat or reduce the effects of development on air quality

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

Extra road cleaning to wash away particulate pollution from dust settled on roads and pavements.

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

Development of Workplace Travel Plans within the Council and other large employers in the area to make sure transport to and from work is as sustainable as possible

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

Developing an educational package on air quality to raise awareness of air quality issues in North Lanarkshire

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 c 5 c

62 www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk