SIX cities have won praise from the Government for their visionary ways in tackling traffic pollution and road congestion. And the cities - Birmingham, Bristol, Coventry, Leeds, Leicester and Southampton - will receive 'Clear Zone Awards' certificates from junior transport minister Glenda Jackson.

The first award has been presented by Jackson to Bristol City Council. She said: 'It is vital that our towns and cities remain accessible while the environmental impact of transport is reduced. The Clear Zone initiative is helping to develop the technology that will improve local air quality and road congestion within our urban centres, making them better places to live and work.' The projects in each of the cities are: