The Government could face daily fines after allowing air pollution at Heathrow to breach European limits.

Since January 1, all EU member states have been required to comply with the limits set down in the 2008 Air Quality Directive. Ministers, however, have failed to to improve the area’s air quality, despite admitting nitrogen dioxide levels around the airport were above permitted levels, Wandsworth Council leader, Councillor Edward Lister, said.

The council, and many residents, oppose Government plans to expand capacity at the airport.