Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Air Pollution: Motor Vehicles

Thursday 15 October 2020 · 2 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kate Osborne asked the Minister about recent Cabinet discussions on air pollution from motor vehicles since August 2020.
  • Nitrogen oxide levels are increasing as traffic returns after the easing of lockdown restrictions.
  • The Minister expressed willingness to meet Kate Osborne to discuss supporting initiatives like the Tyne tunnel project.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Environment
Context

Following the easing of COVID-19 lockdown measures in August 2020, there has been a noticeable increase in nitrogen oxide levels due to rising traffic volumes. This question seeks information on discussions held by the government regarding this issue.

Question

What recent discussions have you had with Cabinet colleagues about air pollution from motor vehicles since lockdown restrictions were eased in August 2020?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

Nitrogen oxide levels are rising again after lockdown as traffic levels increase. We continue to take urgent action to curb the impact of air pollution on communities throughout England through our ambitious clean air strategy and the delivery of a £3.8 billion plan to clean up transport and tackle NOx pollution. The Government continue to engage with local authorities to deliver clean air zones, and through the Environment Bill we will take greater action on tackling air pollution.

Answered
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Q2 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Transport Climate Environment
Context

The north-east region is actively seeking ways to lower air pollution levels. A proposed initiative involves a new free-flow payment system at the Tyne Tunnel that could reduce vehicle carbon emissions by 90%. The question seeks support and commitment from the government for this scheme.

Question

Will you join me in supporting initiatives such as the Tyne tunnel project, which proposes a new free-flow payment system to drastically cut carbon emissions? Additionally, will you commit to working with DfT colleagues to introduce orders for implementing the system?

Answer from Rebecca Pow

The hon. Lady raises an important point. I am really heartened that she is thinking about the health of her constituents, because air pollution, especially fine particulate matter, is the single greatest health impact that we currently have to deal with. I would be happy to meet the hon. Lady to discuss any actions. She is absolutely right to point out that her local authority is taking action on many of these measures. The Government have provided a number of funds to support local work on reducing pollution levels in traffic.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific commitment to introduce orders for the system was not directly addressed.

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