A WIDE range of anti-pollution measures are being rolled out across West Yorkshire in a bid to improve the county’s air quality.

The plans include changes to taxi and private hire car licensing, proposals for Clean Air Zones, reductions in public transport emissions and more use of park-and-rides.

The full plans for improving air quality will be revealed at a meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s transport committee later this week.

Across the county, the West Yorkshire Low Emission Strategy is being rolled out, with all councils supporting moving taxis and private hire cars towards low-emission vehicles.

Incentives are being considered to promote ultra-low emission vehicles and encourage more drivers to make the switch.

The WYCA is also installing up to 88 rapid charging points for electric taxis, which has been made possible thanks to a successful bid for almost £2 million to the Office for Low Emission Vehicles. The scheme is forecast to see 500 private hire cars and taxis switch to electric.

Bradford Council will also be receiving £195,000 to carry out an air quality feasibility study, to improve understanding of air quality in the city.

The Council will also receive further funds to deliver recommendations made in the West Yorkshire Low Emission Strategy, following a successful bid by Kirklees Council to the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs for £106,000, which is being split between Kirklees, Bradford, Calderdale and Wakefield.

Councillor Eric Firth, deputy chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee said: “New evidence about the impact of poor air quality on health, particularly that of your young people, is being regularly highlighted with the transport sector coming under increasing scrutiny.

“Just two weeks ago we announced were are embarking on a £4.75 million scheme to fit emission-reducing clean technology to over 230 of West Yorkshire’s buses, and our £31.5 million programme to create more park and ride spaces at rail stations is ongoing.

“Also, last year we welcomed £23.5 million-plus of investment from bus companies Arriva Yorkshire, First West Yorkshire and Transdev, in new, low-emission vehicles as part of their pledge to reduce harmful emissions.

“In 2017, the Combined Authority adopted the West Yorkshire Low Emission Strategy, which was jointly developed with the five West Yorkshire District Councils and Public Health England.

“This report shows the work that’s underway to achieve the Strategy’s aims of reducing the harmful emissions from transport and other sources that impact on health and the environment.

“As well as reducing the 1,000 people estimated to die prematurely each year in West Yorkshire due to poor air quality, this work will contribute to a cut in the £20 billion it costs the UK economy in health care and loss in productivity through absenteeism.

“We do appreciate that some of these measures, including the introduction of Clean Air Zones, can present challenges to local transport operators and businesses and we are committed to working with our partners to provide support and secure funding that enables this vital work reflecting developments on a national scale, to progress.”

The WYCA Transport Committee meeting takes place at 11am on Friday at Wellington House in Leeds.