UK’s Hand’s Slapped for Breaching EU Nitrogen Dioxide Limits

The UK government has been told to take immediate action on air pollution levels, after green campaigners won their court case. The Supreme Court ruled against the government, following litigation by ClientEarth, a group of environmental lawyers.

In a unanimous ruling, the court ruled that the UK had breached EU limits on NO2 emissions. The case was heard by a panel of five judges, and headed by the court's president - Lord Neuberger. After the hearing, Lord Neuberger stated “that the Government must prepare and consult on new air quality plans for submission to the European Commission... no later than December 31 2015”.

NO2 emissions cause of premature deaths

NO2 emissions cause tens of thousands of premature deaths each year in the UK, and are linked to diesel cars. But a statement released by the Environment Department revealed that there were already plans to target the levels of NO2, in an attempt to meet EU directives.   

Lord Carnwath announced the ruling and said: “The new government, whatever its political complexion, should be left in no doubt as to the need for immediate action to address this issue.”

Naturally, ClientEarth were pleased with the ruling. ClientEarth lawyer Alan Andrews said: “This ruling will benefit everyone's health but particularly children, older people and those with existing health conditions like asthma and heart and lung conditions. The next Government, regardless of the political party or parties which take power, is now legally bound to take urgent action on this public health crisis.”

Statistics show that air pollution causes around 29,000 premature deaths in the UK alone.  To add prospective to this figure, this is more than obesity and alcohol combined. And experts believe that this could even be an underestimate, as these figures do not include every air pollutants.

UK in breach of NO2 emissions for 5 years

Studies have revealed that the UK has been in a constant breach for NO2 emissions, since 2010, in 16 regions and cities. To find out more about previous breaches see UK government 'making a mockery' of efforts to reduce air pollution.

This judgement now means that the next government will have to devise new air quality plans, which will be scrutinised by the EU, by the end of this year. This will be extremely difficult for the government, as current plans only see EU targets met by the year 2030.

The government pointed out areas where changes had been made, and emissions had been lowered. A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said: “Air quality has improved significantly in recent years and as this judgement recognises, work is already underway on revised plans (since February 2014) to meet EU targets on NO2 as soon as possible. It has always been the government's position to submit these plans before the end of this year. Meeting NO2 limits is a common challenge across Europe with 17 member states exceeding limits.”

Defra stated that roadside concentrations of NO2 had been lowered on average by 15% since 2010. It also stated that in the last 20 years, NO2 emissions and background concentrations had been halved. 

It did admit however, that despite the UK’s compliance with most of the EU’s directives regarding air pollution, meeting targets for NO2 emissions were particularly difficult.

Motor industry promote purchase of eco-friendly vehicles

Meanwhile, experts within the motor industry were keen to point out the responsibility of governments to persuade the public to purchase environmentally friendly vehicles.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “Policies to improve air quality should focus on encouraging the uptake of the latest low emission vehicles, while also addressing other sources such as electricity generation and heating, which between them account for more than half of NOx emitted in the UK (Defra figures). Today's diesel engines are the cleanest ever: high tech filters capture 99% of particulates and NOx emissions are down 84% since 2000”.

It remains to be seen whether the UK government will be able to meet EU targets within the allotted time.

You can find out more about improving air quality and reducing transport related pollution in the following article Improving Air Quality and Reducing Transport Related Pollution.