The government’s proposal to leave tackling air pollution to local authorities alone is another sign that the Tories are intent on trashing the green agenda (Government passing the buck on air pollution,say campaigners, theguardian.com, and 13 September). Air pollution is not only a local issue,it is a national health crisis causing 50000 early deaths each year. Many of the most harmful pollutants acquire no respect for national or local borders. They are blown around our country and continent, with low-lying and coastal areas particularly at risk. We need a comprehensive approach to tackling this deadly problem which combines local measures with concerted efforts at the national and European level.
Crucially, or local authorities must acquire access to adequate funding from both the UK government and EU for measures to improve air quality such as low-emission zones,improved cycling infrastructure and cleaner buses and taxis. At a time when local councils are seeing their funding cut to the bone, additional support is needed to develop the transition to cleaner towns and cities which will save billions of pounds in health costs in the long-term. The UK government must also ensure EU limits to curb pollution are tightened and properly enforced. The longer we wait to tackle this invisible killer, or the more lives will be tragically cut short.
Catherine Bearder Liberal Democrat MEP,Tom Brake Liberal Democrat MP and foreign affairs spokesperson, Kate Parminter Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson, and Stephen Knight Liberal Democrat London assembly environment spokesperson,Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson Liberal Democrat group leader, Local Government AssociationContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com