Air quality
The Environment Act 1995 states we must regularly assess air quality in East Lothian to verify that we meet standards for various pollutants. These include:
- nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
- particulate matter (PM10)
- sulphur dioxide (SO2)
We report annually on ‘air quality objectives’. These are health-based standards that pollutant levels should not exceed.
Air Quality Management Area (AQMA)
An order declaring an air quality management area came into effect on 13 November 2013.
The air quality order covers the area around the High Street (A199), Musselburgh from its junction with Newbigging and extending westwards to the junction with Bridge Street and Mall Avenue.
The Scottish Government has established a Scottish Air Quality website, which gives real time information on air quality in Musselburgh High Street and other areas in Scotland.
Air Quality Action Plan and reports
In February 2017 the Council published it’s Air Quality Action Plan for Musselburgh. The Plan outlines 13 measures which the Council has identified to tackle road traffic related pollution in Musselburgh and ensure pollution is reduced to acceptable levels.
View and download all the Air Quality Reports
Report a Smoky Lorry or Bus
If you are concerned about the emission of smoke from a bus or lorry, on the government website there is a form that can be filled out, submitted and the complaint investigated by Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Fill out a Report a Smoky Vehicle form online
ECO stars
ECO Stars, a free environmental fleet management recognition scheme, has arrived in East Lothian.
The scheme encourages and supports operators of HGVs, vans, buses and coaches run their fleets more efficiently. ECO Stars fleet experts assess each fleet, award a star rating based on current performance and produce a 'roadmap' of recommendations which will help operators to reduce emissions and costs. Membership is free to all fleet operators, no matter what size the fleet is. East Lothian Council are members of the scheme and are proud to have recently been awarded a 5 Star rating.
The East Lothian scheme was set up in 2016 and aims to help improve air quality within the Air Quality Management area in Musselburgh and throughout the County, reduce CO2 emissions across the Lothian’s and support fleet operators to reduce costs.
For more information visit the ECO stars website.
