DEFRA seeks views on tackling marginal air quality non-compliance

The government has opened a consultation on ways that 33 English local councils could accelerate compliance with EU air quality standards.

Opened this morning, it is part of DEFRA’s response to its High Court defeat in February, requiring more authorities to take action on nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution. Some local authorities were disregarded in last year’s plan to cut roadside concentrations of the gas, as the department considered that lawfully clean air would be delivered within the time needed to set up a clean air zone (CAZ).