A bright idea - lightbulbs go green

197/09 On 1 September the EU starts the mandatory phase out of 100W and frosted incandescent (or old fashioned) lightbulbs.

This new legislation to cut wasted energy and high electricity bills was agreed by EU Member States last December with support of the UK.

The UK has been at the forefront of efforts to cut down energy-inefficient products which cost people more money to run and are bad for the environment as they have higher carbon emissions.

A voluntary initiative to phase out old fashioned bulbs started in 2007 with the keen support of a number of UK energy suppliers and retailers.

Environment Minister Dan Norris said:

“We can no longer rely on light bulbs which waste 95 per cent of their energy as heat. We are glad the EU has put this measure in place to stop the waste of energy and money from old fashioned high energy bulbs. The UK has had a successful voluntary initiative in place for a few years, and now the rest of the EU will follow suit on a mandatory basis.

“This is great news for people who will pay less in electricity and even better news for the planet, as this will amount to 1 million tonnes of saved CO₂ per year by 2020. ”

Energy efficient bulbs now come in every size, shape and design, with dimmable versions and bayonet and screw fittings. The technology in low energy bulbs has improved greatly and now the variety and choice is there for every household or business.

TOP 10 LIGHTBULBS MYTHS

Aren’t they expensive?

Energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) have come down in price and will continue to do so. Some new CFLs are available at similar prices to old fashioned bulbs (50p in some shops). Energy efficient lamps save money, up to £3-6 per lamp per year according to the Energy Saving Trust, and so the pay back can be seen in months. They also last longer so you don’t need to buy them as often. Halogen ‘look-alike’ bulbs are now available to fit in standard sockets, though these lamps do not last as long as CFLs and only offer a 25 – 40 per cent of savings compared to traditional bulbs.

They don't fit all fittings.

Yes, they do. Lamps are now much smaller than previous CFL ones, and come in very similar sizes and shapes to incandescent lamps. They come in all bayonet and screw fittings now. Where fittings are really small, halogen ‘look-alike’ lamps are available, although these do not offer the same energy savings. Dimmable versions are also available.

They don't last as long as I thought

CFLs should last longer than incandescent lamps, though towards the end of life they fade over time rather than blow. Under EU legislation there will be a minimum guaranteed lifetime.

They take ages to warm up and give off dull light

Many lamps come on instantly and no lamp should come on later than a second or two after flicking the switch. The light now is flicker free as although CFL bulbs used to operate at mains frequency (50Hz) they are now designed to operate at 1000 times that frequency. The light is bright and clear and test conducted by the Energy Saving Trust suggest that the majority of people cannot tell the difference between the light of a new CFL and an incandescent bulb.

They won't save me money

CFL low energy bulbs save 80% energy compared to an old fashioned bulb. According to the Energy Saving Trust this can be £3-6 per lamp off your energy bills.

I can't recycle them

All local Councils provide recycling facilities for CFLs and some retailers will take them back. Councils are looking at what they can do to make it easier to recycle these bulbs. With all new products the end of life recycling can take a while to become widespread, but this is happening now and being taken very seriously by local and national government.

Haven’t there been health concerns?

EU health experts concluded that there is not enough evidence to suggest that modern lamps can aggravate epilepsy or migraines, but Defra and DoH have worked really closely with groups representing those with specific sight and light-sensitive skin conditions to minimise any adverse effects from the use of CFLs.

They contain mercury.

The evidence shows that the amount of mercury in lamps is less than the mercury that would be otherwise released into the atmosphere by coal-fire power generation to produce the energy used by an incandescent lamp. The mercury cannot escape from an intact lamp and, even if the lamp should be broken, the very small amount of mercury contained in a single, modern CFL is most unlikely to cause any harm. Safe disposal of a smashed bulb is on our website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/products/lightbulbs.htm.

Getting rid of old fashioned light bulbs limits my choice

CFL bulbs are not the only ones on the markets. Halogen bulbs that fit into standard lighting sockets will remain on sale too although these lamps don’t save as much energy as CFLs.

I will need to change all my light bulbs as a result of these measures

No-one will be forced to change their light bulbs, or their fittings, and retailers will be able to sell on existing stocks. The EU measure, under the Eco-design for Energy-using Products Framework Directive restricts the manufacture and import into the EU of 100W and frosted incandescent lamps from 1 September, with a phase out of lamps of lower wattage by 2012.

£16 million for local community flood protection

194/08 Local communities across England will benefit from £16 million funding to help them tackle surface water flooding, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.

£9.7 million has been awarded to 77 local authorities for areas where the evidence shows that the risk and potential impact of surface water flooding could be highest. Local authorities for all other areas will also be able to bid for a share of £5 million to help them deal with known local flooding problems.

Defra is also spending £1 million on making training, data and other tools available to help all local authorities manage flood risk.

Hilary Benn said:

“Local authorities have a crucial role to play in tackling flooding and it’s vital that they have the information, resources and skills they need. That’s why we’ve provided this money and we want to make sure it gets to where it’s most needed and where it can make the biggest difference - especially as we know that climate change will cause increased severe rainfall in future and bring with it an increased risk of surface water flooding.”

Defra will publish details of how local authorities can bid for the £5million funding and the criteria on which bids will be assessed, in the next few weeks. Innovative proposals for tackling surface water flooding especially in rural areas, will be particularly welcomed.

Green Party urges Defra to think radically about its flood strategy

Michael Coffey, Green Party Spokesman on water affairs, has written to Defra to advise them on ways to make the Flood and Water Management Bill an effective and timely piece of legislation, rather than the weak and lacklustre one it is shaping up to be.

Coffey notes that "surface water management strategies have to be considered as part of a coherent strategy for the overall water cycle." There needs to be six key actions taken to address the risk of flooding:

1) Defra is failing to legislate for the importance of trees to an urban water management system. Our urban tree count is falling, with 40 000 trees cut down in London in the last 5 years

2) Local authorities should be retrofitting exisiting neighbourhoods and streets with permeable pavements (as is being done in other countries) not just installing such paving in new-build developments

3) We need to maximise Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS); these should be made a condition of planning permission - either in situ or "offsetting" by installing them elsewhere in the area

4) Householders should be incentivised to inntroduce water conservation devices - through rebates on their water bills or council tax.

5) Local authorities should be set targets for the retention of permeable surfaces and water reuse in their areas and create area inventories of permeable surfaces

6) Water and sewage companies should be properly engaged in the consultative process for planning approvals. Water, and waste water, services have to be treated as a constraint on urban development, not as an infinite resource.

Michael Coffey concluded by saying: "Two thirds of the homes affected in the 2007 floods were flooded from surface water runoff overloading drainage systems. We need to build things into urban planning practice -- more trees, permeable paving, and sustainable drainage -- so this doesn't happen again."

Hilary Benn Joins National Park Birthday Celebrations

Celebrating the 60^th anniversary of National Parks, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn today visited the Peak District National Park, one of the four original National Parks established in 1951.

During his visit Mr Benn saw firsthand the benefits that National Parks bring to all who live in, work in and visit them. Mr Benn met volunteers from a range of projects, scientists and conservationists who preserve the natural environment and representatives from local businesses.

Mr Benn said:

“The Peaks – the first National Park to be designated – were chosen for its unique and outstanding natural beauty. Sixty years on from the Act the Parks are places where people still live, work and relax – from recreation and tourism to conservation and farming.

“More than ever before, we are aware of the environment around us and our responsibility for it. This is a huge opportunity for our National Parks to be a beacon – they should be leading the way to a prosperous and sustainable future.”

The Peak District covers 1438 square hectares and contains a mixture of moorland, farmland and woodland. Mr Benn visited Dovedale , Ilam Hall Youth Hostel – where he met volunteers working on projects such as habitat improvements and drystone walling - and the Moorland Discovery Centre, which provides education for people visiting the park.

Millions fewer carrier bags on England's high streets

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has welcomed the news that leading supermarkets and their customers in England are now using 346 million fewer single-use carrier bags every month than in 2006, according to new figures published today.

In May 2006, 718 million bags were being given out – by May 2009 this had almost halved to 372 million, a reduction of 48 per cent.

In December 2008, seven leading high street supermarkets signed up to a voluntary agreement with the Government to achieve a 50 per cent cut in the number of bags they give out compared with 2006 figures. This voluntary target built on the reduction of 26 per cent in the number of bags given out between 2006 and 2008.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said:

“This is a great achievement by the seven supermarkets and their customers and it shows that by working together, we really can change our bag habits. The target of a 50 per cent reduction was only narrowly missed and retailers have really put a lot into this in the last six months. This means that several hundred million fewer carrier bags are going to landfill every month and we’re using less raw materials to make them, which is great news. I look forward to seeing further reductions in the months ahead.”

Defra and the Waste & Resources Action Programme will continue to work closely with the British Retail Consortium and retailers on further reductions over the next year. Progress will be reviewed in summer 2010 before deciding on next steps.

FIRST SUMMER SMOG WARNING AS TEMPERATURE RISES

London Green MEP urges Mayor to cut air pollution to protect health.

Jean Lambert, London's Green Party MEP, has expressed concern over the health implications, particularly for children and those with existing breathing problems, of the first predicted summer smogs.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) issued the warning yesterday that the current hot weather is likely to lead to the first summer smog episode of the year. Moderate ozone levels have been recorded across the UK, but weather conditions suggest ozone concentrations will reach high pollution levels.

Jean has worked extensively to raise awareness of the air pollution crisis London faces, and has challenged the Government over its failure to act on this issue. Today, she said:

"While the warning from Defra alerts us to smogs in rural areas, we must remember that air pollution in London is already at dangerously high levels.

"It's been great to see Londoners out enjoying the sunshine over the past few days, and we'd all love to see a long hot summer. But we must be alert to the health implications. The levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in London have been far exceeding EU limits specifically designed to protect human health for years.

"Only a fortnight ago new figures based on EU research revealed that 4,400 Londoners die every year as a result of the terrible air quality in this city - that's more than four times previous estimates from the Mayor of London. Smog should be a thing of the past: I hope Defra's warning proves stark enough for the Government to take decisive action on this issue at last."

Defra is urging the public to take measures which can help to reduce pollution and Jean is calling on the Mayor to do the same:

"I hope this warning will encourage the Mayor to heed Green calls for serious investment in infrastructure across the capital to increase walking and cycling and reduce traffic and harmful emissions."

(DEFRA) Proposals to improve welfare for racing Greyhounds launched

Consultation on plans that will ensure all greyhound racing tracks comply with minimum welfare standards was launched by Animal Welfare Minister Jane Kennedy today.

The proposals would require all English tracks to be licensed by a local authority or regulated by an officially accredited body, as well as ensure a vet is present at all races and has appropriate facilities to be able to administer first aid.

This follows recommendations from an independent report into the greyhound industry, the Donoughue Report, and the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare inquiry into greyhound welfare.

Ms Kennedy said:

"Greyhound racing is a sport that many people enjoy - but the welfare of the dogs is paramount, both during and after their racing careers.

"These proposals will give clear expectations for all owners, trainers and track operators, and for the first time create a legal benchmark so that action can be taken against those who aren't taking welfare concerns seriously."

The proposed regulations would require that all tracks must:

* Have a veterinarian present at all races and trials, who should inspect all dogs before they run;

* Provide facilities for the veterinarian to administer first aid at the track;

* Provide adequate kennelling for greyhounds; and

* Record all dogs which race or are injured at the track.

It will also mean all racing greyhounds will have to be permanently identified on a national database.

(DEFRA) £11m to protect our seas from climate change

A five-year, £11million study into the effects of climate change on Britain's seas has been announced as scientists warn of more acidic seas affecting the food chain.

Ocean acidity, caused by increased amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the sea, has risen 30 per cent in the last 200 years, faster than any time in the last 65million years, with serious implications for sealife and our climate, according to a new report.

The sea absorbs CO2 in the atmosphere but over time as emissions have increased it has become more acidic, which means not only will it absorb less CO2 in future but that corals, plankton, shellfish and other vital links in the food chain will be under threat.

Now Defra is jointly funding a major research programme with the Natural Environment Research Councils (NERC). It will concentrate on the North East Atlantic, Antarctic and Arctic oceans and study the effects of acidification on biodiversity, habitats, species and wider socio-economic implications.

Huw Irranca-Davies, Minister for the Natural & Marine Environment, said: "Ocean acidification will be one of the biggest environmental concerns of this century, with major and far-reaching impacts.

"We need to understand much more about the scale and nature of the effect CO2 is having on our oceans and marine life."

The report by the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership, published today, also highlights how many small effects of climate change are being magnified through important links with the marine environment, and how distant events such as melting Arctic sea ice may affect people, wildlife and the environment here. For more information go to http://www.mccip.org.uk/elr.

The ocean acidification research programme is expected to run for five years, with NERC funding £7.7million and Defra contributing £2.5million in the first three years with a provisional commitment of £800,000 over two more years. For more details of the UK acidification programme go to: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/research/themes/earthsystem/events/ocean-acidification.asp.

(DEFRA) European plan to protect sharks welcomed

UK Fisheries Minister Huw Irranca-Davies, today welcomed the adoption of the Council Conclusions on the EU Shark Action Plan.

Huw Irranca-Davies said
"We must do all we can to protect and sustainably manage these vulnerable species. I am delighted that Council Conclusions on the Action Plan have been adopted, and am personally pleased to see a commitment in the conclusions to reviewing the Council Regulation on shark finning.

"It is essential that this regulation is strengthened to ensure the wasteful practice of removing fins and discarding the carcass at sea cannot occur and I will also be considering if the UK should cease to issue special fishing permits that allow fins to be removed at sea.

"The UK will be working hard to ensure that the plan produces robust, workable and effective measures."

The Shark Action Plan includes measures to:
1. Ensure that directed fisheries for shark are sustainable and that by-catches from other fisheries are properly regulated;

2. Improve knowledge both on shark fisheries and on shark species and their role in the ecosystem;

3. To encourage a consistent approach inside and out EC waters with endorsement from Regional Fisheries Management Organisations and others.

Welcoming the announcement, Ali Hood Director of Conservation at the Shark Trust said:

"A coherent approach to shark conservation and management is long overdue and the Community Plan of Action for Sharks represents a framework for positive action, what we urgently need now is demonstrations of commitment by Member States to deliver on the promises of the Council Conclusions. The Shark Trust was pleased by the degree of support demonstrated by the UK Government who sought every opportunity to ensure the Council Conclusions could deliver on the plans potential.

"The Trust is encouraged that the Council have prioritised the need for a revision of the shark finning ban, and its associated derogations, which currently allow the removal of shark fins at sea through the allocation of Special Fishing Permits. The Shark Trust will continue to advocate for the UK Government to cease the provision of Special Fishing Permits, the UK registered holders of which currently land over 80 tonnes of shark fins per year.

"Although the Council's proposal to improve the knowledge on sharks and their role in the ecosystem is welcomed, the Trust is concerned that some member States may use the need for increased data collection as an excuse to maintain the status quo - with over 30% of Europe's sharks already threatened with extinction in the wild one certainty is that action is required as a matter of urgency."

(DEFRA) New guidance to crack down on dangerous dogs

Guidance to help police and local authorities enforce dangerous dogs law more effectively and crack down on irresponsible dog ownership has been published, Environment Minister Jane Kennedy announced today.

Written in association with the police, the RSPCA and local authorities, the guidance sets out the current law and provides advice on how the legislation can be used effectively to improve enforcement.

The guidance:

* Provides an outline of the law on dangerous dogs, including an explanation of 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act and the 1871 Dogs Act;

* Sets out best practice for the main enforcement authorities: the police and local authorities;

* Provides guidance on identifying pit bull terrier-type dogs; and

* Provides examples of existing local initiatives.

Ms Kennedy said:

"Dogs play an important role in our communities so it's vital that people feel safe when they see dogs out and about with their owners.

"This guidance will ensure that the legislation which aims to tackle irresponsible dog ownership is enforced effectively by setting out both the current law and best practice for enforcement agencies.

"We undertook a significant review of the legislation with the police in 2007 and it was clear that, while the legislation was sound, more needed to be done to raise awareness of the law and improve enforcement. This guidance is the latest part in our strategy to do just that.

"We believe that better enforcement of the current law, ideally though local partnerships, will be far more effective at tackling the problem of dangerous dogs than amending it."

(DEFRA) Plans for independent animal health body

Decisions about how to handle animal diseases would move to an independent body under proposals announced for consultation by Environment Secretary Hilary Benn today.

Mr Benn said the proposals would see a new independent board established to make decisions about animal health policy and delivery, made up of members with knowledge, experience and skills in the livestock industry, animal health science and welfare and relevant public health, consumer and wildlife issues.

In a disease outbreak, key decisions such as movement controls will be made by the Chair and Chief Executive of the new organisation, on the advice of the Chief Veterinary Officer.

Mr Benn said:

"Livestock owners are worst affected by disease outbreaks, and they also benefit from disease control, where their livestock might otherwise become infected.

"It's right that they should be more involved in making decisions about how we prevent and handle those diseases, and contribute to the costs of collective action to tackle disease threats.

"This new way of tackling animal disease, which builds on how Government and the industry have worked together to deal with bluetongue, will mean that everyone's investment in disease control is more effectively and efficiently used. We should see a reduction in the total levels and costs of these diseases."

The plans will help to reduce the risks and costs of animal disease, improve confidence in animal health policies, and ensure the livestock keepers who benefit from animal disease control measures share the costs of those measures with taxpayers.

The new body will be responsible for dealing with exotic disease outbreaks such as bluetongue, policy on endemic diseases such as bovine TB, advising on the payment rates for animals culled as part of disease control and controlling animal diseases which pose a threat to public health.

The new body would be largely publicly funded, with a levy on livestock keepers contributing to the costs of surveillance and preparedness for exotic disease outbreaks. Views are also being sought on compulsory insurance for livestock keepers to contribute to the cost of dealing with exotic disease outbreaks.

The proposals are in line with recommendations made by Sir Iain Anderson after his inquiry into the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 that those who gain from the eradication of these disease should help to pay the costs of doing so.

The new body would have three main sources of funding: public funding, fees and charges for services provided, and income from a new levy paid by livestock farmers, according to the type and number of animals they keep.

The Government currently spends £400 million each year on animal health and welfare, which increases substantially when there are disease outbreaks such as avian influenza. The cost to the farming industry is also considerable, but currently the industry has no decision-making powers over these policies and does not contribute directly to the cost of co-ordinating disease control.

Under today's proposals, these costs would be shared between different types of livestock keeping businesses and between the beneficiaries of the successful reduction of risks and costs - particularly between taxpayers and livestock keepers, taking account of affordability.

The consultation responds to calls from the livestock industry to change the way the Government makes decisions about animal health policy.

The new framework will build on the strengths of the current system including the effective protection of public health, the developing partnership working with industry, the veterinary and scientific expertise of Defra and its agencies, and the delivery capability of Animal Health.

(DEFRA) Plans to give animal owners legal piece of mind

Horse owners could benefit from cheaper insurance premiums under plans to clarify owners' liability announced by Farming Minister Jane Kennedy today.

The proposals, published today for consultation, would amend the Animals Act 1971 to clarify owners' liability should their animals cause damage.

The law in its current form lacks clarity and means that animal keepers face the prospect of being held strictly liable for damage or injury regardless of any actions they may have taken to prevent an incident from occurring.

Ms Kennedy said:

"We aim to give animal owners peace of mind when giving their horses or other animals the space and the exercise they require.

"This small amendment means that, if they've taken reasonable precautions and their animal causes damage, the owner will no longer be held strictly liable.

"This is great news for all animal keepers, especially as it could even lead to lower insurance premiums - something which I know would be very welcome to many rural businesses."

The amendment would mean that all animal owners or keepers must continue to take reasonable precautions to prevent accidents occurring, and they would remain liable for any negligence on their part, but it would introduce new and clearer criteria for the application of strict, no fault, liability in cases where the accidents could not have been predicted.

(DEFRA) Defra announces body to help businesses and communities go green

Defra is bringing together a range of bodies under WRAP's leadership to provide a one-stop-shop to help businesses, organisations and households become more resource efficient, Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced today.

The decision was made following the recommendations from the Delivery Landscape Review set up in February 2008 to examine the seven organisations funded by Defra which currently work on resource efficiency. This will make it easier for businesses and households to get the advice they need on how to be more resource efficient by providing a single point of contact.

Secretary of State for the Environment, Hilary Benn said:

"All these organisations have done a great job in helping businesses and households to use resources more efficiently. But we know that some customers were confused by the myriad of services and bodies, so that is why we are making these changes.

"Now, under WRAP leadership we will provide a one stop shop for resource efficiency advice, and this should make it quicker and easier for people to get what they need."

WRAP CEO Liz Goodwin said:

"We welcome this opportunity to lead a single organisation for resource efficiency. We believe it will help bring clarity for those seeking advice and support on resource efficiency - many of whom have already said they would prefer to deal with one organisation."

This simplification is part of the cross-Government Business Support Simplification Programme which aims to make it easier for businesses to access Government help

and advice.

(DEFRA) Third Sector Taskforce on climate change and environment launched

A new taskforce launched today will help the government and the not-for-profit sector to tackle climate change and environmental issues.

The group will be jointly chaired by Defra, Department of Energy and Climate Change and Cabinet Office ministers and third sector representatives and aims to identify specific actions that Government and the third sector can take together to tackle climate change, environmental problems and sustainable development more broadly. The Department for Communities and Local Government will also be represented on the taskforce. Third sector co-chairs will be nominated at the first meeting.

The taskforce was announced as part of Defra's Third Sector Strategy in November 2008. It is a unique opportunity for third sector leaders to come together to develop an action plan to raise the awareness and profile of climate change in the sector and to influence third sector and government action. The partnership will seek to increase the volume of activity in the sector on climate change, sustainability and environmental issues and will use the third sector network and contacts with communities to raise awareness and encourage action - such as helping people to be more energy efficient in their homes, creating low carbon neighbourhoods or towns or encouraging participation in environmental volunteering programmes. It will also look at how Government and the third sector can do more to connect with specific sectors of the community and how Government can best support the work of third sector organisations on these issues.

A diverse membership representing the full spectrum of third sector organisations - from all interest areas, not just the environment, and of all sizes - is crucial to the success of the taskforce. Applications for membership of the taskforce are now invited from third sector organisations. Specialist contributors will also be invited to participate on an ad hoc basis as required. The recruitment process is being coordinated by Green Alliance and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) who will provide the secretariat for the taskforce.

Defra minister Huw Irranca-Davies said:

"The taskforce will play a key role in helping us to reach communities through a medium that is easily accessible and that they trust. The third sector has unique access to a vast range of people and is ideally situated to help Government educate people about climate change and environmental matters."

DECC Minister Joan Ruddock said:

"Climate change is the most important challenge facing our society. Unchecked, it will have major impacts on individuals and communities, and on the interests of third sector organisations. We can tackle it, but only if all parts of society are mobilised to act. This new task force is part of making that happen."

Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, said:

"The third sector has proven time after time its ability to engage with communities in a way that governments simply can't. It is vital to solving some of the biggest problems this country faces, and I look forward to seeing the taskforce's ideas on how we can tackle climate change together."

Stephen Hale, Green Alliance director, said:

"I warmly welcome the creation of this taskforce. There is already a wide array of creative and effective initiatives within the third sector on climate change and other pressing challenges. But we need a dramatic surge in the scale and impact of this activity to secure the action we need to avert catastrophic climate change and secure our futures."

Stuart Etherington, NCVO CEO, said: "The formation of this Task Force presents a real opportunity for organisations from across the sector to come together to harness our potential to tackle climate change and build sustainability."

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.