New cars 'improve UK's air quality'

New cars are going far in improving the air quality in the UK after it was revealed that their carbon emission levels have dropped.

According to a new study by DrivenData, the average CO2 emission of a new car fell by 5.6 per cent between 2009 and 2010.

This represents the greatest drop of emissions over a 12-month period since 2005 and shows a significant improvement from the previous year, when emission levels fell by 3.6 per cent.

DrivenData's Daniel Stas said: "Car makers will be encouraged to see that they have collectively reduced average emissions at a faster rate this year."

He added that this is likely to be the result of new plug-in hybrid models and electric vehicles coming onto the market.

This reduction of carbon emissions is likely to improve the air quality in the UK as fewer pollutants are released into the atmosphere.

Last month, car company Volvo suggested car manufacturers need to take more responsibility for reducing toxic gases in the air.

Posted by Joseph Hutton