NSW Liberal Leader Peter Debnam said today the Iemma-Costa Labor Government had allowed motorists to travel through the toxic fumes in the M5 East Tunnel for years without any filtration.

"Premier Iemma must explain to the people of NSW why he refused to install the warning signs in the M5 East even though as Health Minister he was fully aware of the toxic pollution," Mr Debnam said.

"There is no doubt that Morris Iemma, Carl Scully Joe Tripodi, and the RTA have been criminally negligent in refusing to warn about the pollution or filter the tunnel.

“Motorists have seen no action on either the warning signs or the filtration, but have been aware every day of the extraordinary pollution in the M5 East Tunnel," he said.

"Toxic fumes will be the asbestos of the 21^st century.

“It is clear the Labor Government has been consciously allowing unsafe pollution levels in the tunnel.

“Morris Iemma has known of the risks to motorists for years but remained silent. After 12 years of Labor, the time for excuses is over.

"He admits he winds up his windows while driving the through the tunnel, but refused to erect signs to alert the public.

"Four months out from the election, the Iemma-Costa Labor Government is now saying it will take action. Labor said the exact same thing just before the 2003 election and did nothing.

"Morris Iemma and Eric Roozendaal can't be trusted to take any action either. If Labor won't filter the M5 East Tunnel before the election, I will straight after," Mr Debnam said.