This week MPs on four Parliamentary committees have published a joint report on improving air quality calling on the Government to impose tougher restrictions sooner than the current target in 2040.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Environmental Audit, Health and Social Care, and Transport Committees launched their joint inquiry amid concerns over the inadequacy of the Government's plan to improve air quality in the UK.

It wants the Government to introduce a new Clean Air Act, a clean air fund financed by the transport industry, a national air quality support programme for councils, and to require manufacturers to end the sale of conventional petrol and diesel cars earlier than the current 2040 target.

Lilian Greenwood, chair of the Transport Select Committee, said: "Transport is the key to improving air quality, but it requires real political leadership and co-ordinated action from the Government and local authorities.

“The solution isn't just about reducing the pollution each vehicle produces, we also need policies that will reduce our reliance on cars. This requires more urgency, imagination and innovation than is being demonstrated by the Government, local councils or transport service providers.”