MP calls for recognition of diesel health impact

The Lib Dem MP for Carshalton & Wallington, Tom Brake, has tabled an Early Day Motion calling upon the government to acknowledge the ‘significant’ health impact of emissions from diesel vehicles in the UK.

Mr Brake’s motion — which could be debated in Parliament — also calls for government to put forward legislation “to protect people’s health and help promote the uptake of clean alternatives”.

MP Tom Brake has called for recognition of the health impacts of diesel emissions

The motion, titled ‘Clean Air Zones and Emissions’ has so far been supported by six MPs from across the political spectrum, but Early Day Motions are only typically debated if they have a high number of signatories in support.

Mr Brake has also called for the government to extend measures put forward in December to ‘look at all sources of diesel emissions’ including auxiliary engines such as transport refrigeration units.

Motion

The motion states: “That this House believes that air pollution from burning diesel has a significant impact on health in the UK, causing thousands of premature deaths and reducing quality of life for many people; acknowledges that forthcoming legislation to tackle emissions, such as Clean Air Zones proposed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, needs to look at all sources of diesel emissions; notes that auxiliary engines, such as transport refrigeration units, can emit many times more nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than a vehicle’s primary engine; and calls for legislation to reflect this in order to protect people’s health and help promote the uptake of clean alternatives.”