NO2 Air Quality Plans consultation response

Response to Defra’s consultation on NO₂ air quality plans

In June 2011 Defra published Air Quality Plans (AQPs), a necessary step in applying for a time extension, until 2015 at the latest, for meeting the European limit values for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂).  In order to obtain the time extension, the AQPs must meet the requirements set down in the European Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC).

In our response we highlight the fact that we do not believe the draft AQPs meet the directive’s requirements for the following reasons:

1. The AQPs state that the limit values will not be met in London until 2025, despite the fact that the maximum permissible extension to the original 2010 deadline is five years.
2. All possible action within London has not been taken to try and meet the limit values by the original 2010 deadline.
3. The AQPs do not set out appropriate measures to ensure the exceedence period is as short as possible.

We highlight some of the measures we believe should be taken in London to improve air quality and some specific transport-related problems in the city.

You can download our response below.