THE worrying impact of man-made air pollution on Bradford and its residents has been highlighted in a report to be discussed by councillors tomorrow.

Members of the Regeneration and Environment Scrutiny Committee will meet to hear about the work being undertaken to promote the use of electric vehicles in the district.

It comes after Bradford Council joined other local authorities in West Yorkshire in declaring a climate emergency.

It's an issue which has received even greater prominence in recent months following the efforts of teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg and recent action by environmental campaigners Extinction Rebellion.

The report paints a concerning picture of the impact of air pollution on a local level.

It says: "Man-made air pollution causes the equivalent of 40,000 early deaths in the UK every year and this equates to 222 early deaths in Bradford, with an associated health cost of £157m per annum.

"Health research in Bradford demonstrates that air pollution is also responsible for a number of concerning health effects such as the development of childhood asthma, low birth weights, cancer, stroke and heart attacks.

"More recently air pollution has been linked with reductions in the IQ of children in affected populations."

The report also highlights data from the Department for Environmental Food and Rural Affairs, which shows the Bradford district is currently exceeding legal limits for the pollutant nitrogen dioxide - and is predicted to continue to do so until 2021.

However, it currently sits "marginally outside" the requirement to implement compulsory standards for clean air by 2020 through the use of Clean Air Zones.

Last year, the Government published the 'Road to Zero' strategy, which aims to put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacture of zero emission vehicles - and for all new cars and vans to be effectively zero emission by 2040.

Councillors will hear about the different ways the use of electric vehicles is being promoted in the district. This includes increasing the number of charging points and converting Bradford Council fleet vehicles to electric.

Seven twin electric vehicle charge points have been installed at Council sites for this use.

Planning guidance has also been introduced with electric vehicle charging point requirements.

Meanwhile,a working group has been set up and an electric vehicle strategy is to be developed for the Bradford district.

The report adds: "Bradford Council will investigate the opportunity for on-street charging, this could be developed alongside the councils current street lighting project to replace lantern to energy efficient LED lighting and replacement of street lighting columns. Technology exists to convert street lights to charging points, this could be suited to residential streets with no off street parking.

"These may be possible where street lights are replaced and moved to the front of the kerbside; officers will work alongside the street lighting team to determine the feasibility of on-street charging being incorporated "