AIR pollution levels in the region’s tourism capital are improving slowly – but are still breaching air quality standards.

A report to be presented to City of York Council shows that air pollution levels in the city reduced in most areas between 2014 and 2015.

But while there is evidence of a steady downward trend in concentrations of nitrogen dioxide – which can inflame airways and cause other serious health problems – the most recent data indicates the levels are still too high in locations around the city’s inner ring road.

The report states: “Air pollution particularly affects the most vulnerable in society: children and older people, especially those with existing heart and lung conditions.

"Air pollution is recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease, strokes and cancer and has been linked to low birth weights and reduced IQ in children.”

The accepted limit for nitrogen dioxide readings is 40 microgrammes per cubic metre. In the long term, those exposed to levels above 40 cubic metres for the whole year could suffer effects on lung function with a decrease in life expectancy.

The report states that an Air Quality Action Plan from December 2015 planned how to cut emissions through new electric buses and converting seven per cent of the taxi fleet to low emission alternatives. There is also more work with the City Car Club, a pool of low-emissions cars.

York was awarded £816,000 from the Office of Low Emission Vehicles earlier this year. The money will be used to fund a city-wide network of hubs, providing fast and convenient electric vehicle charging.

Further work in 2016/17 includes an anti-idling campaign targeted at drivers, additional incentives for using low emission vehicles and alternative fuels, and more expansion of the charging network.