‘step in right direction’

The city’s Green Party is welcoming plans to end the production of petrol and diesel cars in the UK by 2040 – but is demanding more urgent action to tackle pollution.

It called on Canterbury City Council to apply for a slice of the £255 million the government is making available to address public health concerns about air quality.

Spokesman Anna Peckham said: “While the government’s announcement is a step in the right direction, it is a long time until 2040 and action is needed now to tackle the toxic air that threatens the health of everyone in the city.

“We cannot wait when we know that children’s lungs are at risk of permanent damage and that nationally 40,000 premature deaths occur because of air pollution.”

The Greens argue government cash could be used to fit emission-reducing devices to buses, improve bike routes and promote walking in an effort to reduce reliance on cars.

Mrs Peckham went on: “While electric cars are part of the solution, we need to change the focus from cars to other forms of transport which have for too long been ignored.

“Plans for a huge multistorey car park at Station Road West show the council is incentivising car use over less polluting forms of transport. With only two electric charging points and cycle storage not included in the scheme, it is clear that improving air quality is an afterthought.”