Inverness air quality improvements welcomed

Councillors have welcomed improvements to air quality in Inverness city centre and have approved a revised Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) action plan for the city.

Leader of Inverness and Area Cllr Ian Brown said: “In 2014, the City of Inverness Area Committee approved the declaration of an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) that covers a small area of the city centre in the Queensgate, Post Office Avenue, Academy Street and Strothers Lane Area. I am delighted to see in this report before us today that there has been a sustained and significant decrease in Nitrogen dioxide measurements for this area. 

“This is good news for residents and also for shoppers, local businesses and the general public who frequent this area.” 

A report to City of Inverness Area Committee today outlined the improvements in air quality in the identified AQMA. 

Members noted action measures being undertaken which cover a broad range of initiatives, such as promotion of active travel in schools and infrastructure improvement projects providing improved access for all to city streets.

They also welcomed the largest measurable improvement in air quality observed when Stagecoach introduced its electric fleet of buses serving Inverness routes. 

A stakeholder review by Environmental Health in 2023 also provided positive feedback on changes proposed to the action plan measures to improve air quality in the area.

Environmental Health will continue to monitor air quality within the city centre and Annual Progress Reports will be submitted to the Scottish Government and published on the air quality pages of the Council’s website at www.highland.gov.uk/airquality.

The revised Inverness Air Quality Management Area Action Plan will now be published and submitted to the Scottish Government and SEPA for approval.