The UK has applied to the European Commission for an extension to meet air quality targets for particulate matter (PM10).

PM10 is made up of very small particles of soot and dust in the air that come from a variety of sources including emissions from diesel engines.

Levels of PM10 have been falling across the UK.

However, in eight areas breaches of the PM10 limit values have been reported since rules came into force in 2005.

These areas are:

  • Greater London urban area
  • West Midlands urban area
  • West Yorkshire urban area
  • Glasgow urban area
  • Brighton/Worthing/Littlehampton
  • Swansea urban area
  • Eastern England zone
  • Yorkshire and Humberside zone