ClientEarth calls for clarification on UK air quality plans

Environmental lawyers ClientEarth have written to the government asking for answers over “holes in court-ordered plans to clean up illegal levels of air pollution”.

The letter gives ministers 14 days to respond and asks for “immediate clarification” about the guidance given to local authorities on how to evaluate the best way of bringing air pollution down as soon as possible.

It also asks for guidance on how ministers will ensure that air quality limits are met across England.

The air quality plans, which were released on 26 July, pass responsibility to 23 Local Councils in England to find a solution to the air pollution crisis, but, according to ClientEarth, offer little detail on how air quality will be improved in the rest of England.

ClientEarth lawyer Anna Heslop, said: “We were extremely disappointed with the plans when they came out. They pass the buck to local authorities and leave some majors questions about process and funding.

“We hope that the government’s answers will finally show a resolve to urgently tackle the UK’s toxic air.”