Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Air Quality (Diesel Emissions in Urban Centres)

23 February 2016 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Geraint Davies Lab Croydon South

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Geraint Davies raised concerns about air quality (diesel emissions in urban centres) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Mr Davies opened the debate by moving a bill to address urban air quality targets, focusing on diesel emissions.
  • He cited statistics indicating that diesel pollution causes over 40,000 premature deaths annually in the UK, with an economic cost of 20 billion.
  • Mr Davies proposed measures including stricter vehicle emission testing and establishment of low-diesel-emission zones.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Geraint Davies Lab Croydon South

Mr Davies opened the debate by moving a bill to address urban air quality targets, emphasising the critical issue of diesel emissions and their impact on public health. He cited statistics from the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, indicating that diesel pollution is causing over 40,000 premature deaths per year in the UK, with an economic cost of £20 billion annually. Mr Davies highlighted the detrimental effects of diesel emissions on children's health, including reduced lung capacity and increased asthma risk. He proposed measures such as stricter vehicle emission testing to reflect real-world driving conditions, establishment of low-diesel-emission zones, pedestrian-only areas, and promotion of green public transport like electric trams and LPG-powered buses.

Other contributors (1)
  • Geraint Davies Lab Croydon South

    Mr Davies emphasised the severe health impacts of diesel pollution, noting that it is linked to lung cancer, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, obesity and dementia. He mentioned the historical context of air pollution in London during the 1952 smog event, drawing parallels with today's situation where similar numbers of people are dying due to invisible fumes from diesel vehicles. He noted a tenfold increase in traffic volume over the last six decades and highlighted how motor manufacturers' encouragement of diesel use instead of trams or green transport has exacerbated air pollution issues.

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