OTLEY’S MP has vowed to do all he can to persuade the Government to fund a Clean Air Zone.

The proposed scheme (CAZ) would cover half of Leeds but wouldn’t extend out to Aireborough or Wharfedale.

The zone would work by introducing daily fees for buses, HGVs, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles that don’t meet emission standards.

Leeds City Council approved the plan in October - but now the Government has rejected its £40 million funding bid and asked the authority to apply again, for less money.

MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) said: “As a nation we are facing a public health crisis brought on by poor air quality. The rates of respiratory conditions are high and for many, culminate in early death.

“It is not reasonable of the Government to second guess the strategy of the elected local authority, based purely on cost, particularly as it is the local authority that has been tasked with providing solutions to a crisis that should be a national priority.

“I have already liaised with the council and am taking this up with the relevant ministers. I have committed to doing everything in my power to ensure there is proper government backing for the scheme.”

Otley’s only Green Town Councillor, Mick Bradley (Green, Danefield), meanwhile thinks Wharfedale should be considering alternatives.

He said: “It is no great surprise that a Government with little willingness to spend money on protecting people’s health, or the environment, has turned down a request for £40 million for the flawed CAZ scheme.

“Otley and other communities along the A660 are not included in the zone so would not benefit anyway. A better way to have cleaner air would be to reduce the numbers of all vehicles travelling through and around Otley.

“Leeds are required to reduce nitrogen dioxide and nitric oxide levels but, arguably, an even greater risk to health is from tiny particulates from, for example, tyre wear. A steady flow of less traffic with less stop-start would help here. The challenge for Leeds Highways is how to achieve this at peak hours.

“The local community also needs to reduce its own car use where possible. With imagination I believe we don’t have to accept traffic congestion, reduced road safety and poor air quality as inevitable.”