WORKPLACES could be encouraged to charge their employees for parking while 'clean air zones' could be introduced across town in a bid to cut pollution.

Warrington Borough Council is now consulting on a five-year air quality action plan in order to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels in the town, with some areas close to main roads exceeding national limits for nitrogen dioxide.

The 18-point plan, which will run until 2022, aims to encourage the use of cleaner fuels and electric vehicles in Warrington in addition to implementing new cycling and walking links as well as an improved transport system.

Workplace charging levies - in which business will charge their employees for parking - and clean air zones could also be introduced to the town.

Poor air quality contributes to around 145 premature deaths per year in town, with an investigation in 2016 finding that areas around the town centre and near to motorways exceeded national pollution limits.

The council's executive board approved the start of a four-week public consultation during a Town Hall meeting on Monday night, with finalised plans set to be put into place from February.

Executive board member for environment and public protection Cllr Judith Guthrie said: "Poor air quality can have a huge impact on people's lives and that's why this is such an important plan for Warrington.

"It's part of our commitment to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents, now and in the future.

"Cleaner air in Warrington will benefit us all, so I would urge everyone to get involved in this consultation, have your say and help us to shape our action plan.

"We would especially welcome the views of people who are most impacted by poor air quality - such as those who live near major roads and our more vulnerable residents."

The public consultation on the air quality action plan runs until Friday, December 15.

To have your say, complete the online questionnaire at warrington.gov.uk.

A public drop-in event will also be held at Orford Jubilee Hub on Monday, November 27.