ELECTRIC charging points, restrictions on taxi fumes and ultra-low emission pool cars could all be part of a council strategy to tackle dangerous levels of pollution in the city.

The whole of the city centre was made an air quality management area (AQMA) at the end of last year after target-breaking levels of nitrogen dioxide were found for three consecutive years forcing the council to respond.

A report, to be discussed by the council’s licensing and environment health committee at a meeting tonight (January 22), recommends the council explores a number of options for tackling the high levels of pollution and poor air quality in the city.

The plans, which come from a task group set up in 2017 to tackle the problem, include looking at whether the council should install electric car charging points in residential streets and if it is possible, possible funding should be investigated and bids should be prepared.

The report also recommends looking at whether the council should place an emission restriction on all of its licensed taxis.

The measure would mean cabs across the city would be forced to adhere to stringer requirements before they were granted a licence.

The task group has also recommended the council looks at air quality specifically when it looks at health and safety - something it does not yet do - when it is developing every council policy, drawing up reports, making formal decisions and during the development of key projects.

The council could also ask Worcestershire Regulatory Services - the body responsible for pollution control on behalf of the city council - to draw up a long-term low emission strategy.

In 2017, the Worcester News reported that pollutant levels were breached in London Road, Foregate Street, The Tything, Castle Street, The Butts and Sansome Place with congestion fumes blamed for the high levels of pollution and poor air quality.

As nitrogen dioxide levels exceeded the national target of 40mg/m2 for three consecutive years, the city council was forced to respond.

The city’s three existing AQMAs in Lowesmoor and Rainbow Hill, St John’s and Dolday were all revoked as part of the new plan and incorporated into a city-wide AQMA.