Particulate limits violated across the continent

The current daily limit is 35 micrograms per cubic metre for PM10, but that figure was exceeded at 30% of Europe’s urban traffic air pollution monitoring points in 2009, including major cities in Poland, Italy, Sweden and Latvia. A parallel finding is that between 18% and 40% of Europe’s urban population is exposed to PM10 levels higher than the daily threshold. The Commission has launched infringement proceedings against a number of member states.

• The Spanish government has targeted road emissions in a national air quality improvement plan. The plan has 90 measures, including introducing low emissions zones, ensuring cleaner road surfaces, re-introducing speed limits, incentives to buy cleaner vehicles, and stricter vehicle inspections.