SOUTHAMPTON’S two major political parties have pledged to combat pollution by introducing a series of clean air initiatives.

Both the Conservative and Labour groups say they will implement their ideas if they get into city council power following the local election vote on May 3.

It comes as they both sign up to support the UK100 – a network a local government leaders – clean air commitment, which asks councils to commit to several pledges.

These include appointing a cabinet member that is responsible for ‘Clean Air’ and creating a partnership board or body that involves both local people and businesses to tackle pollution in their community.

However, despite their joint agreement, the two groups have different ideas on how to clean up the city.

Labour has pledged to use 100 per cent renewable energy for council buildings, bring in incentives for electric vehicles, accelerate its cycle scheme, and press for shorepower – which saves fuel that would otherwise be used to power vessels while in port.

Conservative chiefs think establishing an air quality task force, banning heavy goods vehicles from selected residential roads, supporting taxis, and improving public transport around the docks and St Mary’s areas are the way forward.

Nevertheless, they both agree more green spaces are needed throughout the city.

Labour councillor Chris Hammond said: “It has been the Labour council that has made tackling poor air pollution a priority and we’ve been successful in funding projects worth £15 million in Southampton. We’ve worked with UK100 for a number of years to lobby Government to do more to address one of the main public health issues of our generation and we happily sign their commitments.”

Tory leader Jeremy Moulton said: “A Conservative Council would make improving the city’s air a key priority. We have been driving action at the council despite being opposition; such as policies to incentivise ‎electric car take up and greening the western approach to the city.

“However much more radical, longer term, action is needed, especially as the city grows. We want to see a proper transport strategy for the city which sees more use of light passenger rail and our proposals for new stations in Northam and in the Eastern Docks are part of this vision.”

UK100’s central pledge to commit to 100 per cent clean energy by 2050 is supported by 87 leaders, Mayors and Metro Mayors nationwide.

Polly Billington, director of UK100, said: “Southampton, like many other UK towns and cities, needs leadership on air pollution. We welcome the pledge by council candidates across the country to make clean air a priority. Residents want action to deal with this public health crisis.

“The clean air commitment gives candidates the chance to show their determination to act on clean air, making it a priority and involving the public in devising solutions.

“We hope it will inspire other leaders across the political spectrum to be a force for good when it comes to finding innovative and successful ways to drive down air pollution and ensure their constituents can live a healthier life.”