Drivers urged to ‘kill the fumes’ in Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs

That was the warning this week at the launch locally of a ‘kill the fumes’ campaign.

The campaign aims to highlight the detrimental effect poor air quality has on the health of children and that motorists can be fined for failing to switch off their engines when stopped at the roadside.

As part of the campaign environmental health officers from East Dunbartonshire Council are conducting monitoring patrols, particularly outside schools where parents often wait for their children in cars with their engines running.

Councillor Ashay Ghai, the council’s convener of housing and community services, said: “Over recent years air quality has improved in some areas across East Dunbartonshire, but there are still pockets of poorer air quality, mainly attributed to traffic pollution.

“The council has a statutory obligation to regularly review and assess air quality and ensure it tries to meet the Scottish air quality objectives.”

He added: “I am optimistic that this campaign will raise awareness and encourage motorists to switch off when stopped at the roadside, significantly improving air quality in East Dunbartonshire.”

Earlier this year ‘No Vehicle Idling’ signs were put up outside primary schools in East Dunbartonshire and more are to be installed outside secondary schools over the coming weeks.

Regular vehicle emission testing is also carried out across the district to help improve air quality and is funded by the Scottish Government. O

Testing sites are moved around the area.

Vehicles that fail the test are subject to a £60 fine, which will be waived if the fault is rectified within 14 days and a new MOT certificate produced.

* Have you got a story, picture or comment? E-mail [email protected]

Alternatively you can call the newsdesk 0141 775 0040, find us on Facebook or visit us on Twitter

Or you can log in below and have you say on the site...