Liberal Democrat MEP and European Transport Spokesman Phil Bennion has won an award for his work in improving air quality in cities across the UK, after a successful campaign to cut deadly pollution including from diesel-powered vehicles.

Phil  was given the “Clean Air in Cities Award” by campaigning group Clean Air in London after he successfully campaigned to ensure tailpipe exhaust checks are included in MOT tests under EU law. This will help detect harmful emissions and ensure that newer diesel-powered vehicles remain fitted with exhaust filters that prevent deadly particulate pollution being released into the air.

Around a quarter of pollution in the atmosphere in the UK comes from diesel engines, contributing to an estimated 7,000 of the 29,000 premature deaths caused by air pollution each year.

Phil said:

Air pollution may be invisible but we cannot afford to ignore it. It is a silent killer that causes thousands of early deaths a year in the UK. Tailpipe exhaust checks for vehicles are crucial to make sure that factory-fitted filters remain in place so that deadly particles and pollution do not escape into the air.

With so many vehicles on our roads coming from across Europe, it is also important that we put in place tough standards across the EU. I am delighted to have received this award, and would like to thank all my colleagues and staff who have helped me in my work on improving air quality standards in Europe.

Good news for the environment and for the benefits of working with others in the EU to make life better for us all.