New EFRA report backs Friends of the Earth calls for more urgent action on air pollution

Urgent action is needed from the Government to prevent more of the tens of thousands of early deaths each year from air pollution – says Friends of the Earth as today’s (27 April) Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee report on air quality provides yet more evidence of the steps we need to take to clean up our air.

Friends of the Earth, who submitted evidence to the committee, welcomed calls to introduce a scrappage scheme for diesel vehicles, Clean Air Zones for cities and major towns across the country, and measures to tackle farming emissions. The proposal to make it easier for Local Authorities to constrain new traffic-generating development was also welcomed.

Commenting on the EFRA committee report on air quality, Jenny Bates, Friends of the Earth air pollution campaigner said:

“Today a respected cross-party group of MPs joined our call for more urgent Government action on air pollution.

“We know we need to deal with the dirty diesel vehicles on our roads so it’s good to see the report propose a scrappage scheme for diesel drivers so they can switch to cleaner, greener vehicles.

“It’s also right that all people, wherever they live in the country, are able to breathe clean air as soon as possible. The suggestion to extend Clean Air Zones to cities and major towns across the country is welcome news.

“Proposals to make it easier for local authorities to curb new developments which would generate new traffic and add to the air pollution problem, and measures to tackle emissions from farming, are also hugely important.

“Dirty air is already the nation’s biggest killer after smoking. The solutions are out there but we need the Government to listen to MPs and campaign groups and take more urgent action now.”

For press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.