Government loses third Air Quality Plan defence at High Court
Wed 21 February 2018
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The Government has lost a third legal case brought by the NGO Client Earth over its plans to tackle air pollution.
The High Court has ruled that the Government's latest air quality plan is unlawful as it did not require action from 45 local councils where air quality is below legal levels. A dozen of these councils are expected to have plans by the end of the year, but the Court says the Government must identify measures to tackle air pollution in the remaining 33.
The Court had previously heard that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels are still too high in 37 of the 43 air quality zones across the country.
The most recent Government plan involves setting aside £255m to help local authorities improve air quality, and proposals to end the sale of all conventional petrol and diesel cars by 2040.
According to a report in The Guardian Mr Justice Garnham, who heard the case, said: “The history of this litigation shows that good faith, hard work and sincere promises are not enough and it seems court must keep the pressure on to ensure compliance is actually achieved.”
He noted a “real risk” from air pollution, said the Government’s plans were “seriously flawed” and commended ClientEarth as a “valuable monitor of the Government’s efforts”.
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