The European Environment Agency’s (EEA) latest report said transport related pollution fell in Europe during 2009 as the recession cut transport demand.

The report however revealed that between 1990 and 2009, demand for transport increased one third resulting in a 27% rise in greenhouse gases (GHGs) from transport during the period.

Professor Jacqueline McGlade, EEA Executive Director, said: "Emission levels of almost all pollutants from transport fell in 2009, as there was a drop in demand. But this fall was due to the economic recession,"

According to the report, between 1990 and 2007, the annual energy consumption has increased and from 2007-09 it fell to 4%, and the demand for transport from 1990 to 2009 has increased by one third.

In March this year, the EU had outlined a roadmap for member states under which the member countries are required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport by 60% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.

Since emissions actually increased by 27% between 1990 and 2009, the EU said there must be an overall 68% reduction between 2009 and 2050.

Transport is the second largest source of green house gas emissions, while road transport contributes 70% of the pollution.