Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Government's air quality strategy will include charging clean air zones.

In May, the Government published a consultation on the draft UK Air Quality Plan for tackling nitrogen dioxide. The consultation includes a range of measures, one of which is charging Clean Air Zones. These zones are designated geographical areas that provide a focus in some towns and cities to improve air quality by permitting vehicle access on the basis of emission standards.

We are considering responses to the consultation. The final plan is due to be published by the 31 July.