London given more time to improve air quality

The government in the UK has been given a longer period of time to improve air quality in London.

Earlier this week, the European Commission announced that the government will have three more months in order for London to meet EU air quality standards.

If it does not adhere to the regulations, the capital faces a huge fine for breaching EU law.

The European Commission stated that the UK must indicate that it is acting to limit the number of airborne particles called PM10.

A spokesperson for London mayor Boris Johnson said there are "robust, sensible and proportionate measures in place to reduce pollution levels".

It was added that the intentions are for the capital to be as "healthy and clean as possible".

The mayor's strategy to improve air quality over the next three months includes encouraging cycling and walking, promoting zero-carbon electric cars and smoothing traffic flow in order to reduce carbon emissions.

Posted by Claire Manning