Court orders UK to cut air pollution

The UK’s highest court has ruled that the government must take immediate action to cut air pollution. This represents a significant victory for campaigners who instigated legal action after the UK breached EU limits for nitrogen dioxide in the air.

Nitrogen dioxide is produced mainly by emissions from diesel engines and has been linked to a variety of respiratory illnesses. Air pollution causes roughly 29,000 premature deaths a year in the UK which is more than the combined number from obesity and alcohol. The ruling will benefit everyone’s health but particularly children, older people, and those with existing health conditions.

The court ordered that the Government must prepare and consult on new air quality plans for submission to the European Commission no later than 31st December 2015. The next Government, regardless its politics, is now legally bound to take urgent action to reduce air pollution.

Meeting the EU nitrogen dioxide targets is a common challenge across Europe with 17 member states exceeding the limits. The original deadline for meeting the targets was 1st January 2010. It is estimated that under existing plans some areas such as London, Birmingham and Lees would not meet the pollution limits until 2013.

Source: BBC website (April 2015)