Leeds Clean Air Zone set to be smaller and cheaper that first proposed

Council bosses in Leeds say they're taking tough action to bring down dangerous levels of air pollution in the city.

That's despite the size of a new Clean Air Zone being reduced - and the amount lorries and buses will have to pay being dropped from 100 pounds to 50.

Leeds now has until September to tell the Government how the city will meet air quality standards - as quickly as possible.

Neil Evans from Leeds City Council says this strikes the balance between getting clean air and not putting people out of pocket...

"This change which we've brought about allows them to exit the city, out onto the motorways without being charged -

"So does reduce the economic impact, whilst retaining the air quality advantages that we are seeking, and ensuring we are legally compliant with our duties."

He says the new proposals tackle the worst areas of the city:

"Our critical problems are around the city centre and the inner ring road, our proposals still address that - because of the fact that many vehicles are having to go into that area."

A final consultation is set to be launched at the end of the month.