Press release

UK given three months to tackle air polluton - or face prosecuton

11 March 2011

The UK's failure to meet air pollution rules is a scandal, Friends of the Earth said today (Friday 11 March 2011) after the country was warned that it has three months to come up with an urgent action plan to cut London's air pollution - or face prosecution over its persistent breaches of EU pollution rules.

The UK currently faces legal action over its failure to meet EU rules on air pollution from PM10s - tiny sooty particles which mainly come from London traffic that can be harmful to health.

But the EU said today it won't prosecute the UK over pollution breaches prior to 2011 - provided it comes up with a credible action plan, including "where necessary, suspending activities" that cause the problem. However, the UK could face a fresh prosecution for breaching rules from the start of 2011.

Friends of the Earth's London Campaigner Jenny Bates said:

"The UK's failure to meet air pollution rules is a scandal - thousands of people die prematurely in London every year because of poor air quality.

"Boris Johnson has promised to make London the greenest capital in the world - but he's scrapped measures, such as the western extension of the congestion zone, that would have helped cut pollution.

"The Mayor must now come up with an urgent plan to protect Londoners' health - or the UK could face a massive fine in the European Court."

ENDS

Notes to editors

1.   It has been estimated that over 4,000 people die prematurely in the capital every year as a result of long term exposures to air pollution from small particles.
2.   European Commission press release:
3.   Marylebone Road in Westminster has already exceeded the daily limit 16 times in 2011, out of the 35 allowed for the whole year:
4.   Friends of the Earth Rights and Justice Centre is representing Campaign for Clean Air in London in a Freedom of Information challenge.
5.   Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. More than 90

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust