A targeted vehicle renewal scheme to help small businesses replace older lorries is being called for by city mayors across England and Wales.

The truck replacement scheme is one of a number of demands made by 17 mayors and civic leaders in a letter to Theresa May which calls for the prime minister to take immediate action to fight air pollution.

The letter calls for a national clean air action plan to be implemented as a matter of urgency. Signatories include London mayor, Sadiq Khan, as well as Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham (pictured), Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram and Sheffield mayor Dan Jarvis as well as leaders from councils including Cardiff, Leeds, Newcastle and Southampton.

The group is demanding that the government:

  • Pass a tougher clean air act that will give local authorities powers to regulate emissions from vehicles.
  • Set up a targeted vehicle renewal scheme to replace older, more polluting cars, buses and lorries, in a way that will protect local businesses.
  • Provide funding for more clean air zones and funding for cleaner vehicles

Bristol’s mayor, Marvin Rees said: “It is unacceptable that lives are at risk. We need the government to show leadership with a way to support low-income, vulnerable families and small businesses who rely on diesel vehicles to be able to shift to cleaner vehicles.”

Image: PA Images

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