Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, has this week launched a new strategy to improve air quality in the UK during the next few years, reaffirming government’s commitment to the ‘Road to Zero’.
The Clean Air Strategy outlines a wide variety of measures that the Government will implement to reduce levels of pollution, including the aspiration to end sales of new conventional petrol and diesel cars by 2040 and to make the UK a world leader in developing zero emission vehicles.
The strategy focuses on emissions caused by transportation, in the home, farming and industry.
As well as roadside pollution, the strategy also acknowledges the contribution made by rail, aviation and maritime transportation.
The strategy outlines steps to address particulate emissions including investing £200,000 into research by the University of Plymouth to help improve understanding of how microplastics from car tyre friction end up in the sea.
Measures are also included to tackle pollution caused by freight by encouraging the use of the cleanest models and working to shift freight journeys from road to rail in order to reduce congestion and emissions.
The BVRLA is pleased to see government confirming that it will improve guidance for local authorities on the use of existing powers as well as Air Quality Management Areas and Clean Air Zones. This news is a positive step towards a Clean Air Zones national framework, a key recommendation made by the BVRLA.
