Air pollution still at illegal levels across the UK despite emissions drop

The Government has released figures that show emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) fell by 10% in 2016 compared to 2015, and by and by almost a quarter (23%) between 2012 and 2016.

According to the Government, the main reason for this decrease has been the closure of a number of coal-fired power stations.

The same figures show an increase in the share of NOx coming from road transport: 34% in 2015 and 49% in 2016.

ClientEarth senior campaigner Andrea Lee said: “The reduction in emissions is good news but it fails to tell the whole story.

“Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are still at illegal and harmful levels in our towns and cities, where the majority of people are exposed to it.  

“The Government needs to focus on urgently tackling illegal levels of air pollution with policies like clean air zones, targeted diesel scrappage schemes and other initiatives designed to help people move to cleaner forms of transport.”