UK politicians angered by Johnson's air quality decision

London mayor Boris Johnson's decision to suspend the next phase of a scheme designed to improve air quality in the UK's capital has angered politicians, it has been reported.

According to the Guardian, the move - which would see the third stage of London's low emission zone put on hold - has been opposed by a cross-party coalition by 12 to eight.

Furthermore, the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs is said be furious at the decision.

The opposition to the suspension centres on the UK's obligation to meet EU standards on air quality. The low emission zone scheme formed part of the UK's plea to the European commission to extend the deadline by which it must be at the required level.

If the country does not satisfy the EU, it could be hit with a £300 million fine.

Mr Johnson announced the cancellation of the third phase, which would have affected vans and minibuses from October 2010, last month.