Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19 Lockdown: Air Quality

Tuesday 19 May 2020 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Air quality improved with nitrogen dioxide concentrations 46% lower during the lockdown period compared to the previous year.
  • The Prime Minister encouraged car use but emphasized alternative modes like cycling and walking to reduce pollution.
  • The Environment Bill will include legally binding targets on particulate matter concentrations to improve air quality.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington
Environment
Context

During the COVID-19 lockdown, there was a reduction in motor vehicle use which affected air quality. DEFRA's monitoring showed significant decreases in nitrogen dioxide concentrations.

Question

What assessment has been made of the effect on air quality due to reduced motor vehicle usage during the COVID-19 lockdown?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

DEFRA's monitoring stations showed nitrogen dioxide concentrations were 46% lower between 23 March and 5 May compared to the same period last year, due to substantial reduction in traffic levels. Other pollutants did not show similar trends.

Answered
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Q2 Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington
Transport Environment
Context

In Manchester's sister city Wuhan, car use nearly doubled when lockdown ended, leading to negative impacts on air quality. The Prime Minister's statement encouraged the use of cars.

Question

Is the Minister concerned that the Prime Minister's statement encouraging car use could lead to increased pollution?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

Firstly, it was advised that those who could work from home should do so. Those going to work were encouraged to use cars but also cycle and walk. The uptake of cycling has increased during this time. The Prime Minister aims to phase out new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The statement does not directly address the concern about pollution from car use increasing post-lockdown.

How: Working With Partners, Acknowledging A Good Note

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Q3 Lloyd Russell-Moyle Lab
Environment
Context

Air pollution kills approximately 40,000 people annually and many towns exceed WHO limits. The Government has previously dismissed putting targets for air quality in the Environment Bill.

Question

Given growing evidence linking poor air quality to higher covid deaths and lockdown improving air quality, will the Minister agree to set targets on air quality in the Environment Bill?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

The Environment Bill introduces a duty to set legally binding targets on PM concentrations of pollutants. The independent Air Quality Expert Group is analysing the situation and lessons will be learned from coronavirus regarding air quality impacts on health.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister does not commit to setting specific targets in line with WHO standards as requested.

How: Lessons Will Be Learnt

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