A report out today from an influential group of MPs has strongly criticised the failure of the Government to get to grips with the country's air quality crisis.

The report from the Environmental Audit Committee, entitled 'Air Quality: A Follow Up', claims that Ministers are putting thousands of lives at risk by failing address high pollution levels, which have left parts of the UK in breach of EU air quality laws.

Caroline, who sits on the Committee, said:

"The EAC report out today shows that something has gone very wrong with Government policy on air quality.

"With the 2012 Olympics fast approaching, credible solutions to tackle the capital's air quality crisis in particular are more urgently needed than ever.

"So it's deeply worrying that the best the London Mayor has been able to offer is desperate gimmicks such as gluing pollution to the roads.

"Instead of wasting money on short term cosmetic fixes, both the Mayor and the Government should be putting in place coherent and sustainable measures to reduce pollution.

"The Government should also be stepping up efforts towards a greener transport policy to encourage more people to choose public transport over car travel."

ENDS

For more on this story, visit: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/nov/14/risk-air-pollution-figures?intcmp=122