The report offers a number of major reform proposals setting out what must be done if we are to tackle the problem of air pollution. These include:
- Put the onus on polluters. Polluters must be required to take responsibility for harming our health. Political leaders at a local, national and EU level must introduce tougher regulations, including reliable emissions testing for cars.
- Local authorities need to act to protect public health when air pollution levels are high. When these limits are exceeded, local authorities must have the power to close or divert roads to reduce the volume of traffic, especially near schools.
- Monitor air pollution effectively. Air pollution monitoring by central and local government must track exposure to harmful pollutants in major urban areas and near schools. These results should then be communicated proactively to the public in a clear way that everyone can understand.
- Define the economic impact of air pollution. Air pollution damages not only our physical health, but also our economic wellbeing. We need further research into the economic benefits of well designed policies to tackle it.
- Trying alternatives to car travel or preferably taking the active option: bus, train, walking and cycling;
- Aiming for energy efficiency in our homes;
- Keeping gas appliances and solid fuel burners in good repair; and
- Learning more about air quality and staying informed.
Full copy of the report can be found here