Government's air quality draft plan criticised

The Green party has labelled the government’s draft air quality strategy as a “feeble plan” which will not be enough to tackle air pollution.

In the strategy, the government has stated that pollution targets could be met if charging schemes are introduced in UK cities, however, local authorities will not be required to introduce charging zones.

In addition to this, a targeted scrappage scheme for vans and cars has been put forward, which could see the owners of older and more polluting vehicles offered a cash incentive to scrap their vehicles.

The document also considers retrofitting buses, lorries and black cabs as a way of delivering cleaner air and introducing clean air zones in dozens of cities and towns.

However, co-leader of the Green Party, Caroline Lucas, has criticised the plan stating that the government is “standing idly by while Britain chokes”.

She went on to say that the proposals “won’t go anywhere near far enough in tackling this public health emergency” and that “huge investment in public transport” is needed, along with “serious taxation changes and a new Clean Air Act”.

The UK has struggled to keep within EU limits on pollution, specifically nitrogen dioxide, which is produced by diesel engines and linked to a range of respiratory diseases including asthma.

Thirty-seven regions out of 43 in the UK are currently in breach of EU NO2 limits.

Ministers had originally tried to delay publishing the draft plans by submitting a court bid claiming that making the plans public would breach purdah rules in line with the general election.

The bid was then rejected by the high court, to which the government decided not to appeal the decision.

Lucas continued: "We’ve seen catastrophic failure on air pollution from a government trying it’s best to shirk its responsibilities.

“It’s astonishing that today’s plan had to be dragged out of the government - as ministers tried their best to use the election as cover for their continuing refusal to take action.

“Half measures are not good enough when 40,000 premature deaths are linked to air pollution every year - we need bold action now.”

However, Philip Sellwood, Energy Saving Trust's chief executive, has welcomed the government's air quality plan as it shows "a commitment to addressing the issue".

He said: "Clearly there needs to be detailed proposals in the final plan with policies followed through.

"The key thing is that this isn't all about punitive measures for the so-called offenders.

"If we are to successfully realise the benefits of clean air zones then both businesses and private drivers need advice and support to transition to ultra-low emission vehicles."

Andrea Leadson, the secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, commented: “Improving air quality is a key priority as we support businesses in building a stronger and cleaner economy.

“Our plan today sets out how we will do just that - including presenting options for targeted diesel scrappage schemes”.

The plans are currently under consultation for a six-week period, which will end on 15 June.