5 Conclusion
61. Poor air quality probably causes more mortality
and morbidity than passive smoking, road traffic accidents or
obesity. Yet it receives little or no attention in the media and
scant attention in Parliament and within Government.
62. The UK should be ashamed of its poor air
quality and the harm this causes. It is likely to breach EU air
quality directives. The fines for doing this could be significant.
63. The costs to the country of air pollution
are enormous. More comprehensive cost-benefit analysis should
drive both changes in policy and better implementation of existing
policy. It could also find the most cost effective way of complying
with the existing legal limits.
64. Change requires more investment, better co-ordination
of policy, increased public awareness and better research to shape
policy. The Government needs to achieve these aims quickly.
65. Local authorities have a key role in delivering
improved air quality. They need better support from across central
government to achieve this.
66. Poor air quality means poor health and environmental
degradation, and it has long-term consequences not just for the
UK but for the planet. The Government needs to address this major
problem much more urgently.
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