Questions hang over legality of UK plans on air quality

Jean Lambert, London's Green Party MEP, has this week called on the European Commission to reject any plan on air quality from the UK Government that would endanger the lives of UK citizens.

The Government's consultation on their application to delay compliance with EU air quality laws ends today, 10 March. To be approved by the Commission it must clearly demonstrate how the Government will comply with the rules by 2010.

However, a recent assessment by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has revealed that the UK is unlikely to be able to meet the requirements on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions.

Jean Lambert MEP said:

"Hundreds of local authority areas across the UK are currently exceeding EU standards for nitrogen dioxide (N02), a dangerous air pollutant which can cause and irritate breathing problems. In over 100 cities and in almost all of the recorded zones across the UK, traffic fumes are breaching safety levels on some roads.

"For ten years, the Government has failed to significantly improve air quality and even Defra has reported that it is unlikely to meet future targets. I have called on the Commission to confirm whether the UK's plans on air quality fully comply with all of the legal requirements, before they submit their plea to further delay compliance with the law."

The Government's public consultation on their application to the European Commission to delay compliance with EU air quality laws can be found here: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/air-quality/index.htm It closes on 10 March 2009.