Save lives with new diesel toll, cities told

Diesel drivers could be charged £12.50 to drive into Derby in a bid to reduce air pollution.

London has been named as one of six major cities in Britain where urgent action is needed to improve air quality, a media report said on Sunday.

Up to a dozen of the UK’s worst-polluted urban areas, including Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Southampton, Leicester and south Wales, may be forced to take the measures.

Now 38 out of 43 geographical “zones” in the United Kingdom are failing European Union air quality standards due to high levels of nitrogen dioxide – the gas that is emitted by burning fuels, especially diesel.

The report adds that cities should also look at introducing low-emission buses and taxis and consider installing electric vehicle charging points, upgrading cycling infrastructure and introducing or expanding park and ride schemes.

A further 29,000 deaths a year are thought to be caused by sooty particles also produced by diesel vehicles.

The United Kingdom could face hundreds of millions of pounds in European Union fines as a result of its poor air quality.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has already announced plans for an ” ultra-low emission zone” in the capital from 2020.

Government Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss stated: “Clean air is significant to our well being and our surroundings and for ensuring our cities are engaging locations for individuals to reside and work”.