A national charity has demanded clarity from council bosses on controversial plans to ban cars from Aberdeen city centre.
The local authority is considering introducing a London-style low emission zone.
But yesterday Kelsey Gillies, a campaigns coordinator for the Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Partnership, made an impassioned speech to members of the city growth committee as they debated the next steps for rolling out the scheme.
She said residents of the city “deserved to know” what steps were being taken to cut emissions – pointing to research which shows one in 33 deaths in the city are caused by air pollution.
Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are progressing in cities across the UK, and the Scottish Government has set a target for their introduction in four cities by the end of the year.
High-polluting vehicles can either be completely banned or face extra charges for entering the area with the aim of improving air quality.
But it is unclear when exactly such measures will be introduced into Aberdeen or what exact area will make up the zone.
Last month, research carried out by Friends of the Earth Scotland revealed that Union Street, Wellington Road and Market Street are the worst areas for nitrogen dioxide in the city.
The European Ambient Air Quality Directive set a limit for NO2 annual average of 40 microgrammes per cubic metre and the deadline for compliance was supposed to be January 1 2010.
Although this has reduced to 35mcg per cubic metre on Union Street, the levels still pose a threat. The latest study also showed 34mcg on Wellington Road and 32mcg on Market Street.
Ms Gillies said: “While we are pleased to see Aberdeen City Council progressing with its low emission zone… the people of Aberdeen deserve to know when they can expect to breathe clean air.”
Following a debate, councillors unanimously agreed to put options forward for public consultation.
Bus operators will also be asked to ensure at least 25% of city centre journeys to be achieved in European standard green vehicles by the end of the year.
Council co-leader Douglas Lumsden said: “Further work into engagement work looking at options for a low emission zone in the city centre will also bring long-term benefits to our residents and visitors as Aberdeen continues to be an attractive place to live, work and spend leisure time in.”
