RAC comments on Air Quality (Diesel Emissions in Urban Centres) Private Member's Bill

Commenting on the Air Quality (Diesel Emissions in Urban Centres) Bill, which is expected to have its second reading on 4^th March, RAC public affairs manager Nicholas Lyes said:

“The RAC recognises that improving local air quality is an extremely important issue, however we have some serious concerns about some aspects of this Private Member’s Bill. Banning certain diesels from town centres would be hugely disruptive for a vast swathe of motorists and businesses, and closing local roads at short notice will only shift the problem of pollution and traffic elsewhere.

“The RAC is not opposed to low-emission zones, however the focus should be to provide incentives to motorists of more polluting diesel vehicles to swap these for cleaner ones, alongside a concerted effort for real world emissions testing to be implemented at the soonest possible date. It is also important to recognise that other forms of transport, including buses, taxis and goods vehicles, have a major part to play in reducing emissions.”