Scottish cities

Nitrogen Dioxide levels at monitoring sites in selected Scottish cities, 2022
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No monitoring site in Scotland's four largest cities breached the NO₂ annual mean Air Quality Strategy (AQS) objective of 40 μg/m3 in 2022. The highest level recorded was at Glasgow (Kerbside) on Hope Street (39.1 μg/m3), a site which has in the past regularly breached AQS annual mean objective since recording started in the late 1990s - see trends section.

Notes

Only monitoring stations classified as kerbside, roadside, urban centre and urban background are included.

The main effect of breathing in raised levels of NO₂ (nitrogen dioxide) is the increased likelihood of respiratory problems. Nitrogen dioxide inflames the lining of the lungs, and it can reduce immunity to lung infections. This can cause problems such as wheezing, coughing, colds, flu and bronchitis.

The Air Quality in Scotland site provides up-to-date estimates of air quality from monitoring sites across Scotland.

The Scottish Government's air quality policy: Cleaner Air for Scotland 2 - Towards a Better Place for Everyone

A Low Emission Zone (LEZ) came into force in Glasgow City Centre on 1 June 2023. This means all vehicles entering the city centre zone need to meet specific pollution emission standards or face a penalty charge. There are further details on the Glasgow LEZ in this blog.

This page was updated in July 2023.