Responding to a new report [Monday 14 November] by Parliament's green watchdog that says the Government is putting thousands of lives at risk by trying to dilute EU air quality rules instead of cutting pollution on UK roads, Friends of the Earth London Campaigner Jenny Bates said:

"It's shocking that the Government is trying to dilute rules that protect people from health problems caused by polluted roads - especially when our most vulnerable communities are hit hardest.

"We need bold action from Ministers and Boris Johnson to cut the huge amount of dirty traffic on our streets and slash air pollution to safer EU limits.

"More funding for better public transport and schemes to boost walking and cycling would make everyone healthier and tackle the threat of dangerous climate change."

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The Environmental Audit Committee inquiry has found that business plans from the Department for Transport and Defra fail to mention air quality – despite a Coalition commitment to work towards full compliance with EU air quality standards. The Government will be able to pass EU fines for air pollution breaches to local authorities, subject to new procedures in the Localism Bill. But the report raises concerns about councils' ability to tackle this alone and says causes of poor air quality are often beyond a local authority’s control.

2. Friends of the Earth is part of the Healthy Air Campaign to clean up the UK's dangerously dirty air, which gave evidence to the EAC. Our campaigner's blog has more details on how cleaner air would improve health, save money and help prevent climate change.