CALLS for European cities to give preferential access rights to low or no emissions vehicles have been made by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. Addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg he set out the environmental cornerstones of the British Presidency of the European Union.

Prescott said improved local air quality and cutting CO2 emissions as part of the European Union's Kyoto climate change commitments could only be achieved by closer integration of environment and transport policies. He said Britain would lead the way and told ministers to look out for initiatives, including:

A campaign to encourage European cities to give preferential access rights to low or no emission vehicles.

A joint Transport and Environment Council meeting will be held in June, preceded by an informal session from April 24-26 in Chester will bring together EU transport and environment ministers to discuss the future environmental implications of transport policy. A green car exhibition will be held at the Chester meeting.

Bringing together all transport and environment ministers twice.