Public 'wants action on clean air'

The survey revealed concern over emissions

Tougher anti-pollution laws covering vehicles are wanted by many people in Scotland, according to a survey.

Research by TransportEnergy, a government-backed body, found that 87% of people questioned are in favour of more stringent legislation.

The report also shows that more than a third admitted to being concerned that their health may be harmed by pollution from traffic.

The group is funded mainly by the Department for Transport and the Scottish Executive.

The research shows growing public pressure for the operators of commercial vehicles to face tougher penalties if they do not cut emissions from lorries.

About 75% of those surveyed thought that traffic pollution had increased in the past five years and called for heavy vehicles to be banned from urban areas.

But almost two-thirds of Scots said they would alter their shopping habits to support "green" companies that take measures to reduce vehicle pollution.

In November last year, the executive launched CleanUp, a programme run by TransportEnergy, to provide grants towards the costs of fitting exhaust-reducing equipment or switching to natural gas.

The new survey suggests that this is supported by the public who want to see the operators of lorries, buses and taxis take action to reduce pollution.