AN ENVIRONMENTAL lawyer from Hartford has won his case in the European Court of Justice which upholds British citizens’ right to breathe clean air.


Alan Andrews, who is a former student of Hartford Manor Primary, Hartford High School, and Sir John Deane’s College, represented his firm ClientEarth and won the case for the UK to be ordered to clean up its illegal levels of air pollution.


Under current plans the UK will not meet legal limits for nitrogen dioxide until after 2030 - 20 years after the original deadline.


Alan said: “This ruling is a big victory for the millions of people who want to live healthy lives in the UK’s towns and cities.


“This will force the government to finally take this issue seriously and come up with an urgent plan to rid our towns and cities of cancer-causing diesel fumes.


“This sets a groundbreaking legal precedent in EU law and paves the way for a series of legal challenges across Europe. ClientEarth will spearhead these efforts to help people defend their right to clean air in court.”


Around 29,000 people die early in the UK each year as a result of air pollution, making it the biggest public health problem after smoking.


Alan’s case will return to the UK Supreme Court for a final ruling next year. This should see the UK Supreme Court ordering the government to take action to meet limits in a much shorter timeframe.


This plan would need to drastically cut pollution from diesel vehicles and could lead to policies like the London Mayor's plans for an ultra low emission zone being rolled out nationally.


Diesel fumes are the main source of nitrogen dioxide which is a harmful gas linked with heart attacks and asthma.


The ECJ’s landmark ruling is the first ever on the 2008 Air Quality Directive.