Overview

The Clean Air (No. 3) Bill aims to improve air quality in the UK by establishing a right to clean air, setting ambitious air quality targets, creating a National Clean Air Agency, and implementing various measures to reduce pollution from vehicles, industry, and other sources. It also addresses indoor air quality and promotes sustainable transport.

Description

Right to Clean Air

Establishes a legal right to breathe clean air, requiring legislation to be compatible with this right and prohibiting public authorities from acting incompatibly.

Air Quality Targets

Mandates the Secretary of State to set national air quality targets, aiming to meet or exceed EU standards (even post-Brexit) and align with World Health Organization recommendations by 2030. Annual progress reports are required.

National Clean Air Agency

Creates a new independent body, the National Clean Air Agency, to advise the government on targets, promote pollution reduction initiatives, and monitor compliance with the Act.

Vehicle Emission Controls

Bans the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030. Introduces stricter vehicle emissions testing standards including on-road testing and detection of emissions-reducing device removal. Makes removing emissions-reducing devices an offense.

Local Authority and Agency Actions

Empowers and requires local authorities to monitor air pollution, develop local air quality plans, establish low-emission zones, and implement sustainable transport strategies. The Environment Agency is given powers to measure pollution in high-risk areas, issue warnings, and implement traffic calming measures.

Maritime and Airport Pollution

Requires local authorities to monitor air pollution from ships and airports. Regulations will require ships to use emission-reducing technology and provide for electric supply points in ports, alongside financial penalties for non-compliance. Similar measures are planned for airports. Reports on shipping and airport emissions are mandated.

Other Provisions

Includes provisions for increased penalties for stationary idling offences near schools, a report on promoting electric and hydrogen vehicles, an independent review of the government's fiscal strategy on air quality, measures to improve indoor air quality, and regulation of ventilation and pollutants in new buildings.

Government Spending

The bill anticipates expenditure from Parliament to cover the costs of establishing and running the National Clean Air Agency, implementing new regulations, and conducting various reports and reviews. Specific figures are not provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Vehicle owners and manufacturers: Face restrictions on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles, stricter emissions testing, and potential penalties for tampering with emission control systems.
• Local authorities: Assume new responsibilities for air quality monitoring, planning, and enforcement.
• The Environment Agency: Takes on additional responsibilities for air pollution monitoring and enforcement.
• Ports and airports: Required to comply with new emission reduction regulations and provide electric supply points.
• The public: Benefits from improved air quality and a strengthened legal right to clean air.
• Construction industry: Subject to new regulations on ventilation and the use of substances emitting volatile organic compounds.

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