GREENS will raise ongoing concerns about air pollution with the Mayor of Bristol at this week’s Full Council meeting. Government data shows that in Bristol air pollution kills nearly 200 people every year, and the pollutant levels in the city are far higher than the EU legal limits.
The Full Council meeting follows a visit from the Green MEP for the South West, who visited Bristol to see the dangerous levels of emissions on Bristol’s streets. Molly Scott Cato MEP represents Bristol in the European Parliament, and has been calling on the government to meet the safe legal limits set by the EU.
Molly Scott Cato MEP said:
“Air pollution is an invisible killer yet the UK Government continues to lobby at EU level to avoid possible infringement action from the Commission. This shameful approach from one of the worst polluters in the EU demonstrates the Government is not serious about tackling this public health crisis.”
Councillor Jerome Thomas said:
“Everyone in Bristol has the right to breathe healthy, clean air. The air pollution on Bristol’s streets is shortening our lives, making us ill and in some cases killing us. In Bristol, politicians across the political spectrum have been campaigning to improve air quality as a matter of urgency. We now need to see more significant progress.”
“I will be raising this issue with the Mayor in Full Council next week where I will call for him to look into establishing a low emission zone in the centre of Bristol to charge the most polluting vehicles to enter our city. We need cross party action if we are to tackle dangerous air pollution across our city.”
Green Mayoral candidate Tony Dyer said:
“Air pollution is damaging the health and shortening the life span of many Bristol citizens. Implementing a low emission zone to reduce the air pollution caused by traffic can make a major contribution to improving the quality of life of many Bristolians.”