London's air too dirty for health (Newham Borough Liberal Democrats)

Newham Borough Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

London's air too dirty for health

December 16, 2009 5:35 PM
Originally published by Sarah Ludford MEP

The EU Commission has rejected the UK government's request for more time to meet the requirements of European clean air laws in Greater London. High levels of air pollution in the capital breach European air quality standards designed to protect health. Dangerous particles known as 'PM10' emitted from diesel engines and heating systems are a particularly bad problem in London.

In order to be granted a postponement of the deadline the UK and the Mayor of London had to show they were doing everything possible to comply with EU standards. But this is not the case, so Brussels is pressing ahead with enforcement procedures.

London Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford said:

"Londoners are being severely betrayed by this failure of Labour Whitehall and Tory City Hall to protect our health. If there had been any sign of real efforts to reach the legal target the European Commission would not have lost patience and stepped in."

"All we've heard in recent years is a series of excuses as to why the main parties are willing to let 3000 Londoners die early every year due to asthma, heart problems and lung cancer."

"The buck-passing must stop. London urgently needs a 'low emissions zone' for the most-polluted inner area, like the one in Berlin, to keep out the dirtiest vehicles. Rather than face paying wasteful Euro-fines, effort must be invested in keeping London healthy."

ENDS