A Council Executive report which highlights 158 premature deaths in the city each year due to air pollution has been criticised by Labour Councillors as ‘too little too late' and ‘not radical enough'.

Despite data over many years highlighting the scale of the problem, the report entitled ‘A Low Emission Strategy for York', only calls for a strategy to be created to help improve air quality, rather than proposing mechanisms for addressing the problem.

Shadow spokesperson for Neighbourhood Services Coun. Ken King said:

"This is yet another example of weak leadership in the council. We have known for many years that Fulford Road, Gillygate and other such areas have high levels of air pollution. We also know that such levels have been rising despite them falling in other areas of the country. We now know this has been attributed to cause around 158 premature deaths per year in the city. And what is the Lib Dem Council's answer? A report recommending writing another report. It just isn't on."

Fellow Labour councillor Dave Merrett added:

"Five years ago we criticised the Lib Dems' air quality plan for being inadequate to tackle York's air quality problems and were poo-pooed. I am both saddened and angry that the Lib Dems were, and continue to be, so complacent about the massive health and life costs to York residents. This is particularly the case for those who live on the most polluted roads which are primarily in and around the city centre.

"Coun. Steve Galloway has attacked my concerns on air quality for giving the city a bad name, rather than acknowledging the problem and committing to seriously tackle it.

"The Lib Dems should apologise and instruct officers to bring forward plans urgently to get pollution levels in the Air Quality Management Areas down within health based limits as quickly as possible".

‘A Low Emission Strategy for York' report will be presented to the Executive on 8 June.