The Air Quality Standards (Scotland) Regulations 2007

PART 1 Macroscale siting for Group A pollutants

Sampling points for the protection of human health

1.  Sampling points directed at the protection of human health shall be sited to provide data on:–

(a) areas within zones where the highest concentrations occur to which the population is likely to be directly or indirectly exposed for a period which is significant in relation to the averaging period of the relevant limit value; and

(b) concentrations in other areas within the zones which are representative of the exposure of the general population.

2.  Sampling points shall in general be sited to avoid measuring very small micro-environments in their immediate vicinity. Where possible, the Scottish Ministers shall locate sampling points so as to be representative of air quality in a surrounding area of no less than 200 m² at traffic-orientated sites and of several square kilometres at urban-background sites.

3.  Sampling points shall also, where possible, be representative of similar locations not in their immediate vicinity.

4.  Account shall be taken of the need to locate sampling points on islands, where that is necessary for the protection of human health.

Protection of ecosystems and vegetation

5.  Sampling points targeted at the protection of ecosystems or vegetation shall be sited more than 20 km from agglomerations or more than 5 km from other built-up areas, industrial installations or motorways. Where possible, the Scottish Ministers shall locate sampling points so as to be representative of air quality in a surrounding area of at least 1000 km². A sampling point may be sited at a lesser distance or to be representative of air quality in a less extended area, taking account of geographical conditions. Account shall be taken of the need to assess air quality on islands.