Why should we be worried?

The trend of rising numbers of vehicles on our roads is worrying. This is because vehicles produce many types of pollutants including carbon monoxide, particulates, sulphur dioxide and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. Harmful emissions are created when fuel and air are burned in the engine and are emitted from the exhaust. Exhaust emissions are generally greater when the engine is started cold and are quickly reduced as the engine warms up. One car doesn't cause much pollution on its own, but because there are so many they represent a major source of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland and throughout the world.

Motor vehicles also cause noise pollution and harmful emissions cause poor air quality. If you want to find out more about air quality why not look at this website.

You can also find out more about cars and carbon dioxide at Cars and Carbon Dioxide.

One thing we all can do to help to reduce vehicle emissions is to start walking or cycling more. This not only reduces levels of emissions and pollution, it also helps to keep us fit and healthy.