Diesels causing illegal air pollution levels across the UK

Nearly 90 per cent of the UK was exposed to illegal air pollution in 2013 because of dirty diesel vehicles, a new Government report has found.

Pollution in 38 out of 43 areas of the UK exceeded the EU’s limit for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) – a gas directly linked to thousands of premature deaths.

The latest figures are revealed in an annual report submitted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to the European Commission.

• Diesel cars to be hit by pollution charge in cities

The UK is divided into 43 zones – a mix of regions and high-density urban areas. Only five places complied with NO2 levels in 2013: Scottish Borders, Highland, Northern Ireland, plus Preston and Blackpool in Lancs.

The EU started legal proceedings against the UK in March for breaking pollution levels, but the report explains that emissions from diesels – which now make up half of UK new car sales – are the major factor in the country’s air quality failures.

• Boris Johnson's diesel scrappage scheme could cost £300mDefra states: “The reason roadside NO2 concentrations have not decreased is believed to be the failure of Euro vehicle emission standards for diesel vehicles to deliver anticipated reductions in emissions.”

London was the most polluting area, with a figure four times the EU limit, while Glasgow, Southampton and Liverpool were all double the limit.

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