Environment Secretary Michael Gove has published a Clean Air Strategy which aims to cut air pollution and save lives, backed up through new primary legislation.

Air pollution is the fourth biggest threat to public health after cancer, obesity and heart disease and the new government strategy sets out how it aims to reduce human exposure to particulate matter pollution. These proposals are in addition to the government’s £3.5 billion plan to reduce air pollution from road transport and diesel vehicles, set out in July 2017.

It is estimated that the action set out will reduce the costs of air pollution to society by an estimated £1 billion every year by 2020, rising to £2.5 billion every year from 2030.

The new strategy is out for consultation, and it sets out the government's goal that by 2025, the number of people living in locations where concentrations of particulate matter are above the WHO guideline limit of 10 ug/m3 will be halved.

The government plans to introduce new primary legislation which will give local government new powers to improve air quality. It has also pledged that it will legislate to ensure only the cleanest domestic fuels will be available for sale, preventing 8,000 tonnes of harmful particulate matter from entering the atmosphere each year.

For the first time the government will take concerted action to tackle ammonia from farming, which is responsible for 88% of ammonia emission. It will do this by requiring farmers to invest in the infrastructure and equipment that will reduce emissions. Farmers will be supported to achieve this through a proposed system of public money for public goods.

Government will work with international partners to research and develop new standards for tyres and brakes to enable it to address toxic non-exhaust emissions of micro plastics from vehicles which can pollute air and water.

A personal air quality messaging system will be developed to inform the public, particularly those who are vulnerable to air pollution, about the air quality forecast, providing clearer information on air pollution episodes and accessible health advice.

During a visit to meet air quality researchers at Imperial College, Mr Gove said: "Air quality has improved significantly since 2010 but sixty years on from the historic Clean Air Act a clear truth remains - air pollution is making people ill, shortening lives and damaging our economy and environment.

"Government cannot act alone in tackling air pollution. Our strategy sets out how we will work with businesses, farmers, industry and households to develop innovative new solutions to reduce emissions. It also highlights how we can all take action and play an important role in cleaning up our air."