Already in 2003 it was discovered that the levels of particles in a heavily trafficked intersection in Visby were too high. It is about what is called PM10 and the particles are 0.01 millimeters in size and invisible to the eye.

Since 2013 the levels are measured at the intersection and the limit values ​​have been repeatedly exceeded. In 2015, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the County Administrative Board therefore commissioned Region Gotland to develop an action plan.

Should replace coating

The plan, which is now complete, proposes, among other things, new, more durable, road paving and that the lime material is changed during anti-slip control to granite crusher.

- Gradually, we change the paving, the wear layer itself, but it's not something you do all at once, it costs enormous money, says Eva Ahlin (C), chair of the Environment and Construction Committee, Region Gotland.

Together with Uppsala, Gotland is the only municipalities that exceed the environmental quality standard for particles.

Depends on lime

According to the analyzes made, the particles consist largely of lime. This is probably because lime is the pavement and in the lime gravel used in slippery road conditions. The levels of harmful particles become highest in the spring as the weather dries and the road gravel still remains. Therefore, you should also be better at sweeping up the gravel after the winter.

The solutions now proposed in the action plan will cost Region Gotland SEK 2 million a year, as well as a one-off cost of approximately SEK 780,000.

- I think this is the right action. If we have flow, this will suffice. But we have to measure and evaluate afterwards because we should not take measures that cost a lot of money that have no effect, says Eva Ahlin.

The plan is set for approval at the regional council meeting on Monday.