Government launches Clean Air Strategy

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has launched the government's clean air strategy, following an extensive consultation process.

As published in the Road to Zero, measures to clean up transport and roadside air include new legislation to compel manufacturers to recall vehicles for any failures in their emissions control system, and to take action against tampering with vehicle emissions control systems.

The environmental harm from tyres and brakes is also being investigated as micro plastics from them can pollute air and water. The government will work with international partners to research and develop new standards for tyres and brakes.

The government will also be reviewing current uses of red diesel and ensure its lower cost is not discouraging the transition to cleaner alternatives, as well as reducing emissions from non-road mobile machinery, particularly in urban areas.

Transport is not the only thing targeted in the strategy; emissions from homes and agriculture is also covered with a range of measures.

Gove said: "The evidence is clear. While air quality has improved significantly in recent years, air pollution continues to shorten lives, harm our children and reduce quality of life.

"We must take strong, urgent action. Our ambitious strategy includes new targets, new powers for local government and confirms that our forthcoming Environment Bill will include new primary legislation on air quality.

"While air pollution may conjure images of traffic jams and exhaust fumes, transport is only one part of the story and the new strategy sets out the important role all of us - across all sectors of work and society - can play in reducing emissions and cleaning up our air to protect our health."