‘Super-inquiry’ into pollution targets diesels

PRESSURE on the government to crack down on polluting diesel vehicles was mounting yesterday as the House of Commons launched a ‘superinquiry’ into pollution.

An unprecedented four select committee panels will combine to examine the latest scientific evidence on how Britain’s ‘filthy air’ is worsening health and spoiling the environment.

The government has been told by the High Court that its plans to reduce air pollution do not go far enough – after eight urban areas exceeded nitrogen dioxide limits.

Official estimates say air pollution is a public health emergency, causing 40,000 early deaths and costing the economy £27.5billion a year.