BUS bosses in Keighley have joined with colleagues across the region to promote the ‘green’ message.

And they hope passengers will come on board with their drive to reduce harmful emissions.

Transdev Blazefield took to the road with fellow members of Bus18 – incorporating operators First West Yorkshire and Arriva Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

They visited Keighley, Leeds and Wakefield to outline to the public how just one bus could potentially mean 75 fewer cars on the roads.

The initiative was staged as part of Clean Air Day, on Thursday (June 21).

West Yorkshire bus operators last year invested £23.5 million in new Euro 6 low-emission vehicles.

Alex Hornby, chief executive officer of Transdev Blazefield, said: “We believe in working towards a clean air agenda in the environments we serve to improve the health of everyone.

“We’re investing in cleaner buses that we believe car users would wish to be seen on, that are not only to a high specification but also feature the cleanest diesel engines available.”

A series of events was staged across the district to mark Clean Air Day.

Schools and workplaces were among those hosting activities.

And backing was provided by Bradford Council.

District-wide, air pollution is responsible for an estimated five per cent of all early deaths.

The council is urging motorists to play their part by not leaving their car engine running whilst making drop-offs or pick-ups of a minute or more, such as on the school run or outside shops.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, portfolio holder for health, people and places, said: “We all need to understand and take responsibility for the implications that pollution has – not only on the environment, but also how it affects our health, especially that of young children and people with heart and lung problems.

“I am keen that people also learn about and understand air pollution in the home.

“We can be harmed by the air we breathe when we’re out and about but we need to be aware too of how pollution can affect our homes and the steps we can take to alleviate this.

“The quality of air inside buildings, where we spend most of our time, can be harmful due to the burning of things like solid fuels and candles and the products we use.

“Clean Air Day is about giving everyone the tools and inspiration to make those changes that can reduce pollution now.”

Free specialist advice, approved by health experts and academics, on avoiding and tackling urban air pollution is being provided as part of the initiative.

Visit cleanairday.org.uk for more details.