UK MP snuffs EU regulation as 'too costly'

The UK's environment secretary Caroline Spelman has admitted that the costs of meeting EU pollution targets may not match the benefits, after a key report on air pollution by a committee of MPs was deemed too costly.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) responded to the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) saying: "The government … supports further EU ambitions to reduce health and environmental impacts of air pollution … However, there was never an intention for any of the [EU] deadlines to force measures that would impose disproportionate costs on society. Deadlines … must reflect both the availability of measures and the affordability of implementation relative to the benefits."

This is the first time the government has admitted that the costs will outweigh the benefits when it comes to air pollution, which is said to be the second biggest public health risk in the country after smoking.

A novel way to curb pollution in Swansea, Wales, has been introduced by the council. Pollution readings will be used to close a major road when EU limits on air pollution are in danger of being breached, suggesting alternative routes instead.

Posted by Lauren Steadman