THE Department of Environment, Transport and Regions is investigating the creation of emission-free zones in towns and cities as a key measure to tackle urban pollution. These zones will only be accessible to ultra-low emission vehicles, such as those powered by gas or electricity, revealed Paul O'Sullivan, DETR environment division officer at last week's 'Greening the Fleet' conference in London.

He said: 'The DETR is undertaking research into the practicable aspects of introducing low emission zones in towns and cities. The National Society for Clean Air is also carrying out research on the zones and criteria for vehicles and associated labelling issues are also being explored. In creating the zones there are an awful lot of issues to consider, such as the economic and social impacts, displacement of traffic, impacts on deliveries, enforcement of the scheme and the associated costs.'

O'Sullivan outlined a package of measures to reduce vehicle emissions which should come about as a result of the recent transport white paper, and repeated the Government's intention to introduce a series of policies to cut the number of vehicles on the road, including car parking charges and congestion charging, in conjunction with improved public transport, as outlined in the transport white paper.