| Last chance for UK Government as new Commissioner cracks down on London air pollution |
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3 June 2010 | Press release The Commission today issued a final warning to the UK government to tackle air pollution in London. Levels of dangerous airborne particles in London have broken European limits for the last five years. The Commission has therefore issued a ‘reasoned opinion’ stating that London’s air quality is in breach of EU law and setting out the steps the government must take to avoid court action. This is the final stage[1] in the process before the Commission refers the government to the European Court of Justice, which could impose fines stretching to hundreds of millions of Euros. In March, ClientEarth wrote to the new Commissioner urging him to take this step and we are encouraged to see today’s announcement. Alan Andrews, health and environment lawyer at ClientEarth, says: “The Commission has issued an ultimatum to the government – either take urgent action to address London’s air quality or answer to the European Court of Justice. “Through this warning the new Commissioner has signalled his commitment to pressing the UK hard on air quality. But one of the last acts of the outgoing government was to submit yet another application for a time extension to put off tackling the issue. Mr Poto?nik should swiftly reject this request, forcing the new UK government to take action where its predecessor failed. “This is a major and early test of the coalition government’s credentials not only on air quality but on broader environmental and health issues. If the government fails to take urgent action, air pollution will continue to cause 4,300 people to die early each year in London alone.” [1] We are at the third of four stages. For a brief timeline of the commission’s infringement process, click here Notes for editors ClientEarth is an organisation of activist lawyers committed to securing a healthy planet. We work in Europe and beyond, bringing together law, science and policy to create pragmatic solutions to key environmental challenges. ClientEarth’s CleanAir project calls for the government to bring London in line with EU air quality standards in time for the 2012 Olympics. For more information on ClientEarth’s activities, please visit http://www.clientearth.org/cleanair-for-london For further information please contact: Mike Haines | Communications officer | ClientEarth t. +44 (0) 207 749 5978 | m. +44 (0)7538 418 460 | e. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
