Glasgow has air quality concerns ahead of Commonwealth Games

Cars may be banned from the roads in Glasgow, as fears exist over the city's air quality ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

According to World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Scotland representative Dr Dan Barlow, the Scottish conurbation is badly affected by NO2 emissions and it is "embarrassing" that some of the healthiest sports stars around will be forced to endure the conditions.

He told the Scotsman that action needs to be taken to quell pollution caused by road traffic and a similar approach may be taken to that of China, which took one million cars off the road before the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

It is thought that Glasgow will not meet air quality standards until 2020 - six years after the high profile Games are due to take place.

"Luckily for the athletes, they will be here just a few weeks, but the people of Glasgow are set to continue to suffer this pollution every day for many years to come," Dr Barlow told the publication.

Another city harbouring concerns over its pollution levels is London, which could face hefty fines if the problem is not acted upon before the 2012 Olympics.

Posted by Lauren Steadman