North Lanarkshire Council has updated its plan to reduce air pollution in the area.

Air pollution is linked to a wide range of health issues ranging from cardiovascular and respiratory illness to dementia. Several areas in North Lanarkshire were previously found to have excess amounts of air pollution, resulting in their designation as air quality management areas.

In recent years improvements have seen many of these being revoked, most recently Croy in July 2022, although three remain – namely Motherwell Town Centre, Whifflet/Shawhead and Kirkshaws, and Chapelhall.

To help improve matters further, air quality will be investigated at schools, especially during drop-off and pick-up, and public transport will be supported to reduce the use of private vehicles. Electric vehicle use will also be promoted within the council’s own fleet as well as improving the infrastructure of charging points.

The new plan was approved by the council’s environment and climate change committee, and during which Councillor Lorraine Nolan (Conservative, Motherwell West) requested a meeting to further discuss the issues affecting residents in her ward.