Air quality has rapidly risen to the top of the Government’s public health agenda, fourth behind cancer, obesity and heart disease. Poor air quality is reported to be the cause of 40,000 premature deaths a year. The BVRLA is committed to playing its part in tackling this endemic problem.
The UK is split into 43 zones for the purposes of monitoring air quality against EU limits. In 2015, 37 out of these 43 zones were not compliant with the EU Air Quality Directive for annual concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) say transport is responsible for 80% of nitrogen dioxide pollutants in areas of poor air quality, with diesel vehicles most responsible.
Our members’ new car fleets are on average 9% cleaner than the national standard and are ready to advise and provide the cleanest, most suitable, cost-effective solutions to individuals and businesses.
The BVRLA is calling for a consistent national air quality strategy and policy framework that is backed by local authorities and enables members to support businesses and individuals to:
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Upgrade to low-emission vehicles
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Change their transport behaviour
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Move to zero-emission road transport
