“Let me be clear on this: we need a renewed commitment to a complete phase out of the polluting combustion engine, as the correct conclusion of the Dieselgate scandal! Anything else might be too little too late, and ultimately it could compromise Europe’s long-term healthy recovery and Green Deal objectives.”

“Our study reveals the magnitude of the damage toxic air is causing to people’s health and the huge health inequalities that exist between and within countries in Europe. To a large extent, the situation can be influenced by transport policies and cities can reduce costs by switching to zero-emission urban mobility. Governments and the European Union should bear these costs in mind for transport policy in order to support, not to hinder, a healthy recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The report only focuses on the health costs, but many other costs can be added: for instance, spending for fuels, the huge amount of time wasted in congestion or the huge waste of public space which is dedicated to individual cars……When finding solutions, we must not put more costs on consumers who are often trying to do their best. Sustainable transport solutions should always be available, attractive and affordable to all

The EU should legislate more to reduce emissions at the source for agriculture, shipping and transport. EU air ambient quality legislation and infringement procedures  are crucial to ensure actions. Their implementation at the local level is important.

Now air pollution is firmly a priority on the political agenda, but also for people; they want clean air and they are increasingly voicing for that and urging the decision-makers to act….The European Commission should present a strong proposal for a zero-pollution plan, with conditionality funds for clean air and measures to tackle the climate emergency. It should update clean air standards in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the latest scientific evidence. We should all encourage our politicians to act to ensure sustainable and affordable public transport.