Air quality in UK cities 'is improving'

Air quality in cites across the UK is gradually improving and will continue to do so in the long term, according to a new report.

The Forum for the Future Sustainable Cities Index for 2010 revealed that there has been a general improvement in air quality among the UK's 20 largest municipalities.

According to the organisation, this trend is due to cars becoming more efficient and industries moving away from urban areas, with even London - the worst-performing city in terms of air quality - experiencing a "significant improvement" compared to previous years.

However, the report also noted that making advances in this area requires long-term planning, stating that increasing traffic levels and narrow streets can lead to high levels of nitrogen dioxide that are harmful to health and the environment.

It also cited Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and Plymouth as cities that have seen their air quality drop in the last year.

Earlier this month, the Evening Standard reported that London is considering the introduction of low emission zones to help improve air quality standards.

Posted by Claire Manning