PLANS to close off Lowesmoor to traffic have come under fire from a Worcester taxi driver - who says people will be stung in the pocket.

Craig Palmer, from 5 Night Taxis, says it will have "massive implications" for vulnerable customers like pensioners who need cabs to get around.

As your Worcester News revealed two weeks ago, the county council will start enforcing long-standing regulations from Sunday, January 11 stopping cars from using Lowesmoor.

It limits access to just emergency services, cyclists and buses throughout the day westbound into the city, and between 3.30pm and 6.30pm eastbound.

The council says the controversial move is because pollution levels are now above acceptable levels.

Mr Palmer said: "If you're getting a taxi from Angel Place to The Farmers Boy in Tolladine it's £5, but if Lowesmoor is closed you'll have to add on 10 per cent for a detour.

"It's already a congested part of the city but by forcing cars to go around it, the problem will only get worse.

"People have got to realise how big the implications are. I understand we've got to cut pollution but people need to get around, congestion will get worse, people will be late to appointments and it will cost them a lot more money.

"Lowesmoor is a main route for taxis, and our customers are often pensioners who need dropping off right outside their destination because they are frail, or parents with kids who have got prams.

"I shouldn't be saying this because it will be a windfall for taxi drivers, they'll all get more money, but if I'm honest it's not fair on people.

"It will implicate so many people, if congestion gets much worse they'll see massive rises.

"The council should not be doing this. We've got a living to make and we don't want to be asking people to pay more."

Traffic officers at County Hall say although clearly signposted for more than a decade, many drivers ignore the order, leading to worsening air quality.

Lowesmoor's nitrogen dioxide levels are currently above defined limits set nationally.

Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: "A Traffic Regulation Order has existed in this area for many years but unfortunately this has been ignored by some motorists, thus having a negative impact on air quality in the area.

"Obviously, in an ideal world such action would not have been needed but given the air pollution levels in Lowesmoor, we are legally obliged to act."