A report into air quality published by a Government committee has revealed that although peak levels of ozone in the atmosphere are falling, average levels are still on the increase. The Photochemical Oxidants Review Group found that ozone levels frequently exceeded safe levels throughout the UK in summer and substantial reductions would be needed to meet the National Air Quality Strategy target of 50 parts per billion.

Chairman of the Review Group Professor David Fowler said while the focus of the report was on the UK, the ozone issue was international. Environment minister Michael Meacher said: 'In the EU we expect to gain approval on several directives aimed at improving air quality - on vehicle fuel quality and on emissions from passenger cars, from light commercial vehicles and from industrial sources. These will build upon improvements already occurring thanks to earlier legislation, in Europe and at home, to clean up road vehicles and industry. We are also planning new policies to reduce emissions from vans and HGVs.'