Air quality

There are lots of steps you can take to help improve air quality in South Lanarkshire. If everyone contributes and makes these small changes it will make a big difference to our local environment.

• Public Transport - use more sustainable methods of transport such as taking the bus or train - public transport information
• Active Travel - consider more active ways to travel, even if it’s just for part of your journey - walking cycling and horse riding routes
• Electric / Hybrid Vehicles - if you need to travel by car consider using a lower emission vehicle such as an electric or hybrid car. South Lanarkshire has a growing network of electric charging points
• Eco-driving - if using a conventional car use eco-driving techniques to reduce emissions. Where it is safe and legal to do so:
  • Keep your engine maintained
  • Maintain a steady speed, using the highest gear possible to keep your engine working at its most efficient
  • Shift into a higher gear as soon as possible; between 2000rpm and 2500rpm
  • Accelerate smoothly and decelerate smoothly by taking your foot off the accelerator, leaving the car in gear. Modern engines don’t use fuel under these conditions
  • Anticipating traffic flow to avoid unnecessary gear changes
  • Slow down as your fuel costs and emissions increase the faster you drive
  • Switch off the engine at short stop (less than one minute)
  • If you are travelling at low speed opening the windows is more efficient. If travelling at 60 miles per hour or above, closing the windows and using the air con will save you more
  • Under-inflated tyres increase your fuel consumption and can be dangerous on the road so check them once a month and before long journeys
  • Under-inflated tyres increase your fuel consumption and can be dangerous on the road so check them once a month and before long journeys
  • Having roof boxes attached to your car when they’re not being used will increase drag and increase your fuel costs
  • Remove excess items from your car before travelling to reduce weight
  • More information on vehicle maintenance and engine idling
• Energy Efficiency - By being more energy efficient around the home you can reduce emissions from energy generation - tips on energy saving
• Smoke Control Areas - some parts of our area are smoke control areas which put restrictions on the types of heating appliances and fuel that can be used. More detailed information on our dark smoke page
• When burning fuel in a woodburning stove or open fire follow advice from industry experts to reduce pollution and save you money: https://burnright.co.uk/