EU commission rejects air quality legislation extensions

The European commission has rejected submissions made by the UK and Bulgaria relating to an extension of the deadline to comply with rules relating to air quality.

Three EU countries - Bulgaria, the UK and Poland - applied for more time to comply with EU standards for dangerous airborne particles known at PM 10.

Five zones in Poland have been granted an extension. However, proposals were rejected for the remaining zones in the country and all of those in Bulgaria and Britain.

According to the EU, the majority of air quality zones did not meet the criteria required to qualify for an extension.

Following the decision, the UK will now face a challenge to bring Greater London's air quality in line with EU directives, according to a report on the Business Green website.

Green Party member Darren Johnson commented that Westminster could now face fines of up to £300 million for non-compliance.

He said: "The government and mayor can still avoid the fine and protect the health of Londoners if they unite and agree a new set of radical anti-pollution measures."

Posted by Lauren Steadman