UK government recommends air quality regulations

The UK government has written to all local councils, urging them to implement tougher air quality control regulations, it has emerged.

New guidance and controlling measures have been suggested by the government, including the introduction of low-emissions zones in UK cities and incentive programmes to encourage motorists to use greener vehicles.

This news comes after the country was found to be in breach of EU policies regarding air pollution levels, reported Business Green.

In his letter, environment minister Lord Hunt states that improving the air quality of major UK cities will help in "working towards the achievement of the UK's air quality objectives and its obligations in meeting EU air quality limit values".

Meanwhile, the EU is considering introducing legislation which would allow individual countries to set their own tax levies on heavy-duty vehicles such as lorries, depending upon how eco-friendly they are.