GREEN MP Caroline Lucas has warned of an air pollution “crisis” in the city and across the country.

She said: “We are facing a national health crisis and a major cause is air pollution.

“Even in Brighton and Hove with its sea breezes, people are dying prematurely because of polluted air.

“There are areas in the city centre, around Portslade and parts of Rottingdean where male life expectancy is three years lower than the rest of England, because of air pollution.”

The Brighton Pavilion MP, pictured inset, added: “North Street in Brighton is one of the ten most polluted streets in the country.

“A 2018 report identified more than 30 sites across the city which exceed the legal limit for NO2, a dangerous pollutant linked to respiratory problems like coughing and bronchitis.

“Those living in poverty or who are vulnerable are most at risk, reinforcing the already shocking levels of inequality in our country.

“The Government response to this has been completely inadequate. It has simply left people to choke. The EU has had to take action against the UK in 16 cities because of illegal levels of NO2.”

A spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs said: “We are taking bold and ambitious action to ensure clean air for the nation, with our Environment Bill putting legally binding air quality targets in place.

“This builds on our £3.5 billion plan to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions, with a Clean Air Strategy backed by the World Health Organisation as an example for the rest of the world to follow.

“We are working closely with local authorities across the country to introduce Charging Clean Air Zones in 2020 so we can target the pollution on our roads and truly tackle the scourge of polluted air.”