Pollution from motor vehicles could be killing thousands more people than road accidents, with new research finding more than 11,000 Australians die prematurely every year from transport emissions.

The study from the University of Melbourne also found vehicle pollution could be putting more than 19,000 people in hospital for heart and lung issues, and causing asthma cases to spike by 66,000 each year.

The study recommended the federal government introduce new vehicle and fuel standards to reduce emissions, as well as testing vehicles’ exhaust quality, investigating pollution barriers, and investing in more active and public transport options.

The recommendations were endorsed by groups including Asthma Australia, the Climate and Health Alliance, and the Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance.

Read the full article by AAP in Guardian Australia

Image: joiseyshowaa / Climate Visuals by Climate Outreach