MPs demand anti-pollution charges for town centres

COUNCILS should be able to introduce town centre charging zones for motorists more rapidly to combat pollution, according to a report by MPs.

They criticise the Government’s clean air strategy as a ‘box-ticking exercise’.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs concluded in a report last year that charging zones in town centres are the most effective way to improve air quality but said they should only be introduced as a last resort.

The new joint report by four Commons committees said: ‘This lack of clarity is causing confusion and hampering councils’ ability to tackle air pollution as quickly as possible.’

It added that if councils believe clean air zones are the most effective way to combat pollution, they should be able to implement them without having to go to ‘onerous lengths to demonstrate the inefficacy of other options’.

The report also said the Government’s proposed ban on the sale of new conventional diesel and petrol cars from 2040 ‘lacks sufficient ambition’ and should be brought forward.