Diesel emissions under spotlight at air quality conference

Speakers from ClientEarth, SMMT, Defra, charities and local authorities will also discuss UK’s new draft air quality plan at October 1 event

Emissions from diesel vehicles will be just one of the subjects under the spotlight at the second annual National Air Quality Conference in Birmingham next week (October 1 2015).

The National Air Quality Conference 2015 follows on from the 2014 conference which took place in London

Speakers from the government, NGO ClientEarth and motor industry trade body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) will be among many debating policy and practical measures at the event in what has so far been a landmark year of high profile air quality matters.

Coming in the wake of the scandal over carmaker Volkswagen potentially using software in up to 11 million cars worldwide to circumvent diesel emissions tests, the event will feature an address from SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.

And, with the government currently consulting over its new draft UK air quality plan, the lawyer who led Client Earth’s Supreme Court victory against Defra earlier this year over NO2, Alan Andrews, will consider what the next steps will be for UK air quality policy.

Sponsored by the Passenger Transport Executive Group (PTEG), the conference — hosted by AirQualityNews.com — will also focus on policy and impacts of various transport modes on air quality.

PTEG’s Dr John Lamonte, chair of Transport for Greater Manchester will discuss urban transport, while Steve McNamara of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association will also provide an overview of his industry’s work to reduce emissions.

The first National Air Quality Conference will take place on November 26 2014 in London

Taking place at The Studio in Birmingham, the day-long event will also hear from policymakers looking to cut emissions at a local level, including Birmingham city councillor Lisa Trickett, the Scottish Government’s air quality policy manager Andrew G. Taylor and York city council’s Elizabeth Bates.

With plenty of time for debate, questions and answers, the event will provide attendees with an excellent opportunity to these quiz major thinkers, campaigners and policy makers at what is a crucial time for shaping the future of UK air quality policy.

For the full conference programme and more information on how to secure your place at the National Air Quality Conference 2015, please click here.