NEW Government figures for 2000 show urban air quality to be the best since records began in 1993 with a strong downward trend in the number of bad air days - possibly the result of cleaner diesel and higher pollution standards for cars. In 2000, there were only 17 days of moderate or high air pollution in urban areas compared to 30 days in 1999 and 23 in 1998.

Rural areas had 25 days of moderate or high air pollution compared to 48 days in 1999, and 29 in 1998. Environment Minister Michael Meacher said that the figures showed the first steps were being taken at national and local levels to reduce emissions from all sectors. He said that this would maintain the overall improvement in air quality and help to reduce the amount of traffic entering the city.