Skip to main content

Green MEP calls for action on air pollution as public transport costs rise

A UK Green MEP has attacked the failure of consecutive UK governments to take action on air pollution, while public transport costs continue to rise. Keith Taylor, Green MEP for the South East, says new government figures released in response to a written question by Caroline Lucas MP, show the cost of motoring, including purchasing a vehicle, has fallen by 20 per cent since 1980, while rail fares have risen by 63 per cent and bus and coach fares are up by 64 per cent. According to a report by the Royal Col
May 4, 2017 Read time: 1 min
A UK Green MEP has attacked the failure of consecutive UK governments to take action on air pollution, while public transport costs continue to rise.


Keith Taylor, Green MEP for the South East, says new government figures released in response to a written question by Caroline Lucas MP, show the cost of motoring, including purchasing a vehicle, has fallen by 20 per cent since 1980, while rail fares have risen by 63 per cent and bus and coach fares are up by 64 per cent.

According to a report by the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, around 40,000 deaths each year in the UK are attributable to exposure to outdoor air pollution.

The High Court has ruled that the government must reveal its plans for tackling air pollution by 9 May.

Related Content

  • California traffic deaths drop for fifth consecutive year
    April 20, 2012
    California saw a decline in overall traffic deaths for the fifth year in a row. According to federal government figures, total vehicle fatalities dropped 11.9 per cent, from 3,081 in 2009 to 2,715 in 2010. Since the latest high of 4,333 in 2005, the 2010 figures show a total decline of 37.3 per cent.
  • Israel’s public transport infrastructure ‘lags behind developed countries’
    March 20, 2015
    According to a new report soon to be published by the Bank of Israel, the level of infrastructure in Israel remains lower in some areas—particularly in the area of metropolitan public transit—than in most developed countries. This report, according to an advance copy released this week, examines the level of available infrastructure and investments associated with the sector, as well as how the country fares in these arenas in comparison to other nations. It claims the volume of investment in urban and inte
  • Maturing photo enforcement gains legal status, public support
    August 2, 2012
    In the US, affirmation of the photo traffic enforcement sector's legal status and rising public support were significant aspects of 2009. James Tuton, President and CEO of American Traffic Solutions, looks back over the year. In 2009, the photo traffic enforcement industry in North America continued to grow and mature, accompanied by increased public, legislative and legal scrutiny. While public support remains strong, we also saw increased attempts to undermine the industry by representatives of a small bu
  • TomTom: Congestion costs on UK businesses increase by £148m
    December 14, 2017
    UK Congestion is costing businesses £915m ($1,229m) a year in lost productivity, according to the latest figures revealed by TomTom’s (TT’s) Traffic Index. Findings showed this figure is an increase of £148m ($198m) from last year’s £767m ($1,030m).