April 2018

NEWS Four House of Commons committees have called for a new Clean Air Act, a clean air fund to be paid for by the motor industry, and for the sale of conventional petrol and diesel engine vehicles to be stopped earlier than the current 2040 target. The demands were made in a joint report on improving air quality published by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Environmental Audit, Health and Social Care, and Transport Committees. The unprecedented joint inquiry was launched due to concerns over the effectiveness of the government's plan to improve air quality and to stop ‘poisonous air’ in the UK. The report concluded that air pollution should be considered a national health emergency, with an estimated 40,000 early deaths each year occurring as a result. The cost to the UK could be as high as £20 billion annually. The report also suggested initiating a national health campaign to highlight the dangers of air pollution, including the fact that air quality can be worse inside a vehicle than on the street. It also proposed aligning climate change schemes, urban planning, public transport and fiscal incentives with air quality goals to prevent government policy from working at cross-purposes as well as taking greater account of the costs of air pollution when establishing taxation and spending policy. On a practical level, it urged ensuring that electric vehicle charging infrastructure prioritises air quality hotspots. Calling on government Neil Parish MP, chair of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee, said: "We are calling on government to develop a properly resourced support scheme available to all councils struggling with air quality, and to require manufacturers of polluting vehicles to pay their fair share by contributing to an industry-financed clean air fund." Andrew Selous MP, acting chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, said: "Our report calls for the health sector to play a more vocal role in tackling air pollution at a national and local level, and for a national information campaign to provide clear messages about the risks of air pollution to the public." Lilian Greenwood MP, chair of the Transport Select Committee, said: "The solution isn't just about reducing the pollution each vehicle produces, we also need policies that will reduce our reliance on cars.” Mary Creagh MP, chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, said: "We need a new Clean Air Act to ensure the government remains accountable for failures to achieve air quality commitments after the UK leaves the EU." Fastest improvement According to Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, much is already being done by the motor industry itself: “The latest Defra report shows there have been improvements in air quality in the UK but more needs to be done. Road transport is a major contributor which is why the UK automotive industry is investing billions in technology and other measures to help address the challenge. “A Clean Air Fund worth £220m has already been set up by government, funded by changes to vehicle taxation. In addition, vehicle manufacturers are funding scrappage schemes themselves to get the older vehicles off the road. Other sectors must also play their part in improving air quality. Mike added: “We should not divert investment away from the development of new, low emission vehicles as the fastest improvement to air quality in our towns and cities will be through the uptake of the latest technology.” www.aftermarketonline.net Committees call for Clean Air Act and even earlier end of petrol/diesel cars 4 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2018 www.aftermarketonline.net