EU threatens UK with fine for ‘systematically’ breaking pollution laws

EU threatens UK with fine for ‘systematically’ breaking pollution laws

The UK has "systematically and persistently" broken air pollution laws, the European Court of Justice has said in its first ruling against the UK since Brexit.

Britain could face a fine from the EU after it did not adhere to levels of nitrogen dioxide associated with heavy vehicle traffic.

The court added that the UK failed to take measures to keep breaches of pollution as low as possible.

It found that levels over 16 areas including Greater London and Greater Manchester "systematically" exceeded EU air quality targets set out in 2008.

Though the UK left the ECJ on Dec 31, it is still subject to rulings in cases it has been involved with before Brexit.

The case covers 2010 till 2017, stemming from a European Commission complaint lodged in 2018.

Road transport is one of the main sources of nitrogen dioxide emissions, with built-up urban areas of the UK being hit hardest with negative health effects from prolonged exposure.

An inquest last year found that air pollution had contributed to the death of Ella Kissi-Debrah (below), a London schoolgirl who suffered from severe asthma.

The UK has already pledged to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030 in a bid to meet