Glasgow City Council has launched a public consultation on its plans to introduce a range of measures to improve air quality.

The draft 2008 Air Quality Action Plan sets out the range of measures the Council intends to take to reduce air pollution in the city, particularly in areas which fall below Government targets.

These include introducing Low Emissions Zones, assisting in the provision of Car Clubs and the continuation of Roadside Emission Testing with the focus on taxis, buses and private hire vehicles operating across the city. Tree planting, parking levies and the outlawing of domestic bonfires are also being considered.

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All local authorities are required under the Environment Act 1995 to review and assess air quality within their area, including the levels of pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and lead.

Places in Glasgow where the target levels have not been reached were declared Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) on 1 July 2007.

Councillor Ruth Simpson, Executive Member for Land and Environmental Services, said: "We take our responsibility to monitor air quality in Glasgow very seriously. The Council's Public Health Unit has been working very hard reviewing and assessing air quality levels throughout the city. The main source of air pollution in Glasgow is road traffic.

"This draft Action Plan clearly sets out how we can work together to reduce our air pollution levels, improve the health and well-being of our citizens and ensure the Government's target are met. However, the Council cannot do this alone. Every individual has to take responsibility and seriously consider how they can contribute to improving air quality in Glasgow."

The consultation can be viewed on he council website.

(GK/JM)