Public opinion is now being sought for the proposal and the views of residents and businesses can be given online.

An air quality management area was declared for Lanark in 2016 due to the amount of nitrogen dioxide from vehicle emissions exceeding permitted levels. The council has a statutory duty to provide an annual progress report to the Scottish Government regarding air quality standards and any action it is taking to fulfil those obligations.

An air quality action plan was therefore developed with a range of measures aimed at reducing air pollution levels in Lanark.

Annual progress reports have shown that nitrogen dioxide concentrations have declined over recent years, and a detailed assessment in the town has shown that the levels of nitrogen dioxide in the town have declined and air quality has improved.

It also demonstrated that air quality objectives currently, and in future, will not be exceeded.

The proposal to revoke the Lanark air quality management area was presented to the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee in March and received approval to consult statutory consultees, businesses, members of the public and other interested parties.

The Scottish Government and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) were in agreement that the revocation of Lanark AQMA should proceed.

The consultation will run until Monday 4 December, and anyone wishing to make their views known can do so either by using an online enquiry form or by phoning 0303 123 1015. 

Full information and a link to the online enquiry form can be found on the council website.