Archived press release

Worst pollution for years hits UK cities

7 November 1997

Commenting on today's Independent story [1] (7 November 1997) “Worst pollution for three years - but nothing is done”, Friends of the Earth's Air pollution Campaigner Tony Bosworth said:

“When pollution in Paris hits dangerous levels, the French have an action plan and order half the cars off the road. When we have the same pollution levels in London, all we get from the Government is virtual silence. This country needs an action plan to deal with these major short term pollution problems”.

Friends of the Earth is also calling on the Government to back legislation to cut road traffic.A Private Members Bill - The Road Traffic Reduction [UK Targets] Bill (RTRB) is currently before Parliament. Drawn up by Friends of the Earth, the Green Party and Plaid Cymru,the RTRB would oblige the Government to adopt measures to reduce traffic by 5 per cent by 2005, and 10 per cent by 2010 (based on 1990 levels). The Bill, which has been introduced by Cynog Dafis MP (Plaid Cymru), and has the support of over 300 MPs,receives its Second Reading on 30 January 1998

Tony Bosworth continued:

“The Government must tackle the root of the problem: too much traffic. This is why they should support the Road Traffic Reduction (UK Targets) Bill when it is debated in Parliament in January.”

ENDS

Notes

[1] The Independent today revealed that one of the worst smog pollution episodes for years has hit cities across Britain over recent days. Yet despite touching the high levels recently experienced in Paris, little has been done to warn the public or deal with the problem.

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Archived press release

Worst pollution for years hits UK cities

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