The revocation of Air Quality Management Areas in Bonnygate, Cupar and Appin Crescent, Dunfermline was the subject of discussion in two Fife Council Committee meetings this week. At the Environment, Transportation and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Dunfermline Central Aude Boubaker-Calder challenged the decision. Fife Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Councillor James Calder then amended the recommendations, which were to revoke measures, at the Cabinet Committee, so that there would be a Council commitment to maintain current monitoring arrangements.

Due to the Scottish Government and SEPA directing the Council to undertake the revocation, it was not possible to formally revoke the measures.

After the decision, Councillor Calder said,

While I think it is extremely short sighted by the Scottish Government to push through the revocation based on data from the pandemic, when pollution levels reduced during lockdown, I am pleased that fellow councillors agreed that Fife Council must continue the monitoring measures.

Data from the past two years show PM10 pollution levels are back on the rise in both areas, with in Appin Crescent it being higher than Pre-pandemic levels.

We must continue both monitoring and taking action on this trend as this is both an environmental and health hazard.

Councillor Boubaker-Calder added,

Earlier this week I made the point that revoking this pollution management when it is on the rise is an error in judgement by the Scottish Government.

A number of my constituents in particular have raised concerns over Appin Crescent and we should be prioritising their health.

While I am disappointed that we are unable to formally continue with the Air Quality Management Areas, I am pleased that after Liberal Democrat interventions, Fife Council will continue to take action in both areas.

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