A MUSSELBURGH Green campaigner is calling on East Lothian Council to take a harder line to combat polluting vehicles.

Jason Rose criticised the local authority over its “inaction on toxic fumes”, as highlighted by the TV documentary ‘Car Sick’, which was screened last week.

The investigation revealed only 13 of the country’s 32 local authorities carried out roadside emissions testing, more than a decade after the powers were introduced.

Mr Rose said that East Lothian Council should be using its powers to stop vehicles on Musselburgh High Street – the county’s only Air Quality Management Area – and fining owners whose vehicles failed the test. He claimed levels of pollution had been recorded breaching World Health Organisation guidelines.

Mr Rose, a Musselburgh resident, said: “The link between traffic emissions and heart attacks is clear, yet three years after I exposed the extent of Musselburgh’s problem we have no plan of action from our councillors.

“To now learn that the council has had the power to test and fine the most polluting vehicles but has chosen not to do so will undoubtedly anger many people in Musselburgh. Our town centre should be safe and clean for everyone so we can enjoy living, shopping, working and going to school here.”

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “East Lothian, Falkirk, Midlothian and West Lothian Councils have worked in partnership, with Scottish Government funding, since 2004 to provide a voluntary Vehicle Emission Testing Programme which aims to raise awareness of vehicle emissions and air quality.

“Last year, there were 36 full days of free emissions testing within East Lothian. As opposed to serving Fixed Penalty Notices, the partnership will send, where appropriate, advisory letters based on reports from members of the public who identify vehicles which are excessively smoky and also stationary vehicles which idle for long periods. One report was made regarding a smoky vehicle in 2015.

“Whilst there is a clear need to address air quality issues within Musselburgh High Street, the results are marginally in excess of the objective level above which an Air Quality Management Area is required and are not increasing.

“Prior to a Draft Action Plan on Air Quality Management being published for consultation, the council has had to finalise details within its Local Development Plan to allow for the impact of future development to be assessed.

“Various mitigation measures have been explored and will be modelled to inform decisions as to which measures to take forward."