Highland Council Supports Clean Air Day On 20 June

18th June 2024

Clean Air Day is the UK's largest campaign dedicated to raising awareness on air pollution and the focus this year is on educating the public about air quality and encouraging active travel and alternative transport options.

To celebrate the day, the Council's Environmental Health Team are organising an event at Falcon Square, Inverness which will be a good opportunity to raise awareness on air pollution and share knowledge on sustainable travel options.

The event will take place between 11am-3pm on Thursday 20 June 2024 and will include:

Information stalls from: The Highland Council, Cycling UK, Partnership for Wellbeing, Velocity, NHS Highland/Highland Green Health Partnership.
Dr Bike - Bike health checks stall with a mechanic on hand to carry out bike servicing and minor repairs.
Electric Vehicle Display: Stagecoach electric bus fleet and Highland Council electric fleet van.
Electric and Inclusive Bikes: A chance to try out a HITRANS Hi-Bike which can be hired from several locations around Inverness and Fort William, E-Cargo bikes and Inclusive bikes.

Air Quality Improvements - Significant improvements in air quality have been made through effective traffic management, promotion of travel alternatives, and the introduction of an electric bus fleet within the Inverness area. Notably, there was a marked reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels in 2023 following the deployment of Stagecoach's electric bus fleet. Clean Air Day offers a platform to celebrate these successes and encourage everyone to contribute to ongoing improvements in air quality.

Ongoing Monitoring and Reporting - The Highland Council remains committed to monitoring air quality within the city centre. Annual Progress Reports will be published on the air quality pages of the Council's website at www.highland.gov.uk/airquality

Educational Initiatives - The Clean Air Day event continues the efforts of The Highland Council’s Environmental Health Team in collaboration with the Scottish Government to raise awareness on local air quality. Initiatives have included monitoring around urban schools and educational talks with pupils about the impacts of traffic and air pollution. This links to The Highland Council Road Safety Teams Safer Routes to School Programme, which encourages active travel to schools.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution - Air pollution has well-documented physical health effects, such as asthma, heart disease and cancer. Recent research also highlights impacts on brain health and mental well-being.

Get Involved:

Learn: Discover how air pollution affects mental, physical and the environments health.

Act: Walk, cycle or use public transport to reduce your exposure and contribution to air pollution. Consider leaving the car at home on Clean Air Day and once a week thereafter.

For more information on how to participate in Clean Air Day, visit the Clean Air Day website https://www.actionforcleanair.org.uk/campaigns/clean-air-day