Air quality across Falkirk has reached its cleanest levels in more than 13 years.

In light of this fact, Falkirk Council is now applying to the Scottish Government to revoke the last remaining Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in the area.

According to a report by the council, nitrogen dioxide levels at the town centre's monitoring points on West Bridge Street and Hope Street have fallen by 38 per cent and 39 per cent respectively, since the AQMA was declared in 2013.

The Falkirk town centre AQMA was put in place after nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels exceeded national standards.

Falkirk's air quality is currently the best it has been in over a decade (Picture: Submitted)

placeholder image — Falkirk's air quality is currently the best it has been in over a decade (Picture: Submitted)

Road traffic is the main source of NO₂ in the town centre, accounting for around 60 per cent of local emissions.

The long-term improvement reflects a shift towards cleaner vehicles, including the continued move away from older diesel engines, as well as the council's ongoing monitoring and air quality strategy work.

Michael McGuinness, Falkirk Council head of growth, planning, sport an culture, said: “The Falkirk area has historically faced higher emissions challenges given its industrial and petrochemical background.

"However, through consistent monitoring, targeted action and improvements in vehicle technology, we have steadily reduced nitrogen dioxide levels over the past six years.

“Applying to lift this final management zone reflects that progress, and we will continue to monitor air quality to make sure those improvements are maintained.”

Four of the five AQMAs originally declared across the Falkirk Council area have already been lifted. If the Scottish Government approves this final application, it will

mark the end of all formal air quality management zones in the area.