Government accused of 'running scared' of diesel drivers in delay of clean air plan

Politicians and environmental groups say ministers have failed to tackle air pollution crisis and are hiding behind election purdah rules

The government has been accused of "running scared" of diesel drivers and attempting to bully judges over its last-minute bid to delay the publication of its clean air plan.

Politicians and environmental groups said ministers were "hiding behind the election" to justify delaying publication of the government's long awaited proposals instead of tackling the UK's air pollution crisis. Health experts warned the lack of government action had potentially put thousands of lives at risk.