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EU targets UK over illegal traffic pollution in Manchester and other cities

news release

The European Commission has today launched legal action against the UK government for failing to protect people’s health from harmful air pollution.

The UK government must either take action to reduce levels of carcinogenic diesel fumes, or face a legal process that could result in significant fines. These fines could be passed to local authorities if they have failed to take appropriate action. [1]

In Manchester, 5.1% of adult deaths are caused by air pollution.[2]  The World Health Organization has confirmed that air pollution causes cancer. Poor air quality also causes heart attacks and children living near busy roads have been shown to grow up with underdeveloped lungs. [3]

Levels of air pollution on some of Manchester’s busiest roads are almost twice the legal limit. Currently  air pollution monitoring stations are located at Manchester Piccadilly (near Tib Street), Manchester South (off Styal road opposite Cunningham Drive) and Salford Eccles (at St Mary’s Road and Church Street). [4]

James Thornton, ClientEarth Chief Executive, said:  “The Coalition needs to protect the health of people in Manchester, yet it continues to avoid its responsibilities.”

“If the government wants to avoid another environmental disaster they will need an ambitious plan to protect people from deadly diesel fumes. Cities like Manchester need low emission zones to keep the dirtiest vehicles out – this will save lives and make the UK a world leader in clean transport.”

The European Commission was spurred into action by the UK Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in a case brought by ClientEarth. In May last year, the Supreme Court declared that the UK is in breach of the EU Air Quality Directive and “the way is open to immediate enforcement action at national or European level”.

Stockport and Manchester Council’s planning committees have voted to approve building six miles of new road from Stockport to Manchester Airport.  Manchester Friends of the Earth have consistently highlighted that the increased air pollution from such new roads are likely to breach European air quality legislation. [5]

Graeme Sherriff, Manchester Friends of the Earth’s sustainable transport campaign co-ordinator said: “Instead of building new roads, Stockport and Manchester Councils should be concentrating on how to reduce air pollution and the unnecessary deaths associated with poor air quality in Greater Manchester.”

ENDS

Contact for comments:  Pete Abel, Manchester Friends of the Earth Co-ordinator.  Mobile: 07951 642858

Notes to editors:

[1] Reserve powers in the Localism Act allow government to pass on EU infraction fines to local authorities and public bodies (where they have failed to take action when they could). (Defra consultation on LAQM, para 38)

[2] See http://www.phoutcomes.info/public-health-outcomes-framework/domain/4

[3] Health references:

*   29,000 deaths in the UK.

*    Passive smoking causes 11,000 deaths: Jamrozik K. Estimate of deaths attributable to passive smoking among UK adults: database analysis. BMJ 2005; 330(7495):812

*       WHO say outdoor air pollution is carcinogenic

*    Heart attacks.

*     Children’s lungs.

[4] Manchester air quality:

*   The most recent information on plans to address air quality in Manchester can be found in the Greater Manchester Air Quality Plan (Sept 2011).

*   Pollution from road traffic, and particularly diesel fumes, is the most significant cause of  poor air quality in Manchester, and to a lesser extent industry and machinery. The two pollutants of most concern are microscopic airborne particles, known as ‘PM10’, and nitrogen dioxide.


[5]  Manchester Friends of the Earth consultation responses and letter to Manchester City Council Planning Committee members are available on our website. See January 2013 responseDecember 2013 response and letter to Manchester City Council planning committee members 12th February 2014.

[6] Manchester Friends of the Earth is an award-winning environmental campaign group, raising awareness and lobbying for policy changes at a local, regional, national and international level. The group consists entirely of volunteers, and its campaigns are funded by membership fees and individual donations. Up-to-date information is available on the group’s website: www.manchesterfoe.org.uk  Manchester Friends of the Earth is a Licensed Local Group of Friends of the Earth, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

[7] Manchester Friends of the Earth has endorsed Manchester: A Certain Future, an action plan for the city of Manchester to cut its carbon emissions by at least 41% by 2020. For more information, visit  www.manchesterclimate.com

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