Campaigners have reacted to news released today that the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled against the UK Government over its failures to comply with EU air pollution legal limits – following a case brought by ClientEarth. Friends of the Earth Campaigner Jenny Bates said “This ruling should force the Government to take the urgent steps needed to clean up Britain’s filthy air, and help prevent many of the tens of thousands of premature deaths every year caused by air pollution. The young, elderly and those with existing health problems are especially at risk. Action on road traffic, the main cause of air pollution, is essential to end this health scandal – far more must be done to clean up our vehicles and cut traffic levels".

“Investment in alternatives to car travel are also needed, such as cheap and efficient public transport and making it safer and easier for people to get around on their bikes. UK air quality is a national disgrace – tough measures are long overdue.”

ClientEarth say around 29,000 people die early in the UK each year as a result of air pollution – more than traffic accidents and passive smoking combined.

This landmark ruling, the ECJ’s first ever on the effect of the Air Quality Directive, will determine what action the UK courts take against the government. It will also set a groundbreaking legal precedent in EU law which could pave the way for a series of legal challenges across Europe where governments are failing to protect people from air pollution.

The directive requires member states which have failed to meet air quality limits to draw up plans to achieve them in the "shortest time possible". However, UK government plans will not meet nitrogen dioxide limits until after 2030 - 20 years after the original deadline.

Diesel fumes are the main source of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) - a harmful gas linked with heart attacks and asthma.

Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to take a number of further steps to clean up UK air quality, including:

• Roll out low-emission and congestion charging zones;
• Scrap road-building plans, which would just add to the problem;
• Design our communities with key amenities within easy walking and cycling distance.