The European Commission is taking the UK to court for having too high levels of nitrogen dioxide from diesel engines.
Britain was supposed to meet EU limits on nitrogen dioxide in the air by 2010, but the Government doesn't expect the country to comply with the standard until 2025.
The EU says that levels of nitrogen dioxide, mainly from diesel engines of cars and trucks, are "excessive" in many British cities, and it says that this gas can lead to major respiratory illnesses and premature deaths.
Controlling the amount of this gas in air has proved particularly difficult for the UK.
This is the first instance of the EU taking action against a member state for such a breach.
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
Floram - 20/02/2014 22:39
The actual levels of NOx are not provided so we don't know how far Britain is away and if it is significant enough. Why would one country be unable to comply when others can? The technical know how must be available but politics may stand in the way? If that is the case then yes, take Britain to court if air quality can really be improved significantly and nothing is done because of politics. It may also be a case of overreaction by the EU? Unless more is know a sensible comment is not possible.