- A recent survey by Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland found that almost 70% of Scots are looking to do more active travelling in a post covid-19 world.
- Another study by Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation shows that 1 in 6 have noticed improvements to their lung health with the decrease in air pollution.
The coronavirus outbreak has had unexpected effect of lowering air pollution levels across Scotland’s towns and cities. A recent survey by Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland found that 1 in 7 (14%) people with a respiratory condition are reporting they have felt the benefit of cleaner air.
As we look towards life after lockdown, Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland are calling for the Scottish Government to make active travel and public transport options safe and accessible to ensure we continue to see the benefits of cleaner air.
The recent announcement that Transport Scotland are increasing their Spaces for People fund to £30 million to support active travel infrastructure is extremely encouraging, given that almost 70% (69.4%) of Scots are looking to using more active methods of travel in a post-Covid world. However, without the continued progression of the Low Emission Zones in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow the impact will be limited.
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland, said: “It’s been very reassuring to see such high levels of support for active travel.
“As lockdown restrictions are lifted and we start to venture further from our homes, we hope that people will continue to walk and cycle wherever possible. Not only will it bring benefits to our physical health through exercise, but we will all benefit from the long-term benefits of reduced air pollution.”
Karen McGregor, Director of Sustrans Scotland, said: “Our recovery from the pandemic can be a catalyst for positive, long-lasting change in the way we live and move around.
“Cleaner modes of travel and fewer cars should be at the heart of our recovery plans. What we have seen during lockdown, with less cars on the road, is that people will change their behaviour if they feel their streets are safer.
“Failure to make is it easier and safer for people to travel more actively and sustainably will increase our car dependency, which is a major source of air pollution and greenhouse emissions in this country.”
Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, said: “Walking and cycling brings huge benefits to our physical and mental wellbeing, while at the same time protecting our air quality, our climate and helping to manage demand on our public transport network.
“I have reallocated £30 million in order to put forward a package of support for our local authorities to implement temporary active travel measures. This is already helping to ensure that people can walk, wheel and cycle during this public health emergency whilst physically distancing and protecting them from traffic and it will continue to help as our recovery progresses.
“To improve air quality, to respond to the climate emergency and to protect public health I am committed to introducing Low Emission Zones in Scotland’s four largest cities as quickly as possible.
“Local authorities share this ambition and Scotland’s first LEZ in Glasgow has been in place since 2018. Reviews will be undertaken across 2020 and 2021 to determine the earliest date when LEZs could realistically be introduced using the powers of the Transport (Scotland) Act.”
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