SOME vehicles could be banned from travelling on two of the region’s busiest roads as part of measures to tackle air pollution.

Diesel drivers could be prevented from travelling on congested roads including the A1 and A66 according to Government plans designed to reduce pollution caused by motorists.

Detailed proposals expected to be released by Environment Secretary Michael Gove reportedly list more than 80 A-roads and motorways that require anti-pollution measures.

The air quality strategy could also see new diesel and petrol cars banned from the roads by 2040.

Government documents released earlier this year state that four areas in the region – Middlesbrough, Newcastle, South Tyneside and Gateshead - are among 38 in the country with one or more roads forecast to persistently exceed nitrogen dioxide legal limits if no additional measures are introduced.

Under the Government’s new strategy, local authorities would be enabled to “consider restrictions on polluting vehicles” as a last resort.

Councils would be expected to first try and reduce emissions by retrofitting the most polluting diesel vehicles, changing road layouts and removing speed humps.

Mr Gove said the government would give more than £200m to local authorities to draw up plans to tackle pollution on the roads.

He told the Today programme: “What we’re saying to local authorities is come up with an imaginative solution to these proposals.”

Mr Gove said he did not believe it would be necessary for charges to be brought in for drivers of high-polluting vehicles, but said the Government would work with local councils to determine what the best approach to tackling the issue would be.

Local measures that could be introduced range from redesigning roads to boosting infrastructure for walking, cycling and electric vehicles.

The proposals follow the European Commission sending a final warning to the UK in February for failing to address repeated breaches of legal air pollution limits in 16 areas, including Teesside.

The strategy has been welcomed by groups including the British Lung Foundation.

Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the BLF, said: “We are pleased that the government is set to publish its air quality plan. Toxic air is poisonous.

“Robust measures that will slash harmful emissions and protect our health, are urgently needed.

“More money for local authorities, so they can tackle filthy air is welcome.

“A ban on new diesel and petrol cars is ambitious but credible action in the short term will be required.

“This means more new clean air zones that keep the most polluting vehicles off roads and a fair diesel scrappage scheme.”