Britons are 25 times more likely to die from long term exposure to pollution than in a car crash, a study has found.
One in 19 deaths in towns and cities is linked to toxic air, according to the research.
Andrew Carter, chief executive of charity Centre for Cities which did the investigation, said: “The deadly levels of polluted air we’re breathing are legal across most of the UK. This needs to change.”
He called for people to be charged to drive in city centres.
He also wants the Government to bring in stricter guidelines on emissions and to spend more tackling the problem.
The study found the proportion of deaths related to exposure to airborne hazards called particulate matter or PM2.5 is highest in London and towns in south-east England.
It is lowest in Scotland and northern England.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said that alongside its Clean Air Strategy it is investing £3.5billion to tackle air pollution from transport.
The family of Ella Kissi-Debrah, who died aged nine in 2013, have also been calling for action.
Her death from an asthma attack has been linked to unlawful levels of pollution. She lived close to a major road in South London.
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