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Classic diesels face threat from air quality ruling

Published 02 May 2015

Classic diesels could come under pressure after the Government was ordered to comply with tough European air pollution limits.

The Supreme Court decision aims at reducing nitrogen dioxide emissions, which are largely produced by diesel engines.

It comes just months after Honest John Classics warned of a new scrappage scheme for diesels.

Now the Government will be looking at imposing tighter controls on oil-burners, including possibly keeping them out of city centres packed with people.

Campaign group ClientEarth brought the case against the Environment secretary. ClientEarth argued cities like London, Birmingham and Leeds would not meet EU pollution limits until 2013 – 20 years after the 2010 deadlline.

A five-judge panel unanimously agreed and ordered the Government to submit a new air quality plan by the end of the year.

ClientEarth claimed air pollution in the UK caused 29,000 early deaths a year.

Speaking after the verdict, ClientEarth's environment lawyer Alan Andrews told Sky News a comprehensive plan was required to tackle diesel pollution.

He said, ‘We think a national network of low-emission zones which keep the most polluted diesel vehicles out of our towns and cities is the best and most effective option.’