Council actions improve Musselburgh’s air quality
Environmental measures taken by our council have helped bring about a significant improvement in Musselburgh’s air quality.
An Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) order was introduced in the town centre in 2013 due to the levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exceeding national targets.
This led to the creation of an Air Quality Action Plan which has contributed to a reduction in air pollution. The 13 measures outlined in our plan included decreasing the impact of road traffic pollution from buses on the High Street, encouraging active travel, and adopting the ECO Stars scheme which supports HGV, van, bus and coach operators to run their fleets more efficiently.
Air quality targets met
No readings above air quality targets for NO2 – commonly emitted by vehicle exhausts – have been recorded in Musselburgh since 2016.
As a result, we’re seeking to revoke the AQMA and a public consultation was launched on 20 October asking for feedback on the move.
The order covers Musselburgh’s High Street from its junction with Newbigging and extending westwards to the junction with Bridge Street and Mall Avenue.
Revocation of the AQMA will not impact the frequency of air quality monitoring and reporting for the area.
Statutory obligation
Our council has a statutory obligation to monitor air quality and take corrective action where pollutant concentrations are above permitted objective levels.
In 2022 a detailed assessment of air quality in Musselburgh was carried out by independent consultants. They concluded we may wish to consider revocation of the AQMA.
The proposed Musselburgh Revocation Report can be viewed on our website.
The consultation will run until Friday, 14 November.