A PILOT scheme to reduce the number of deliveries made by van to the city centre will be launched.

It could see electric cargo bikes used to deliver items from a drop-off hub.

The plans aim to reduce carbon emissions and the government has put almost £300,000 towards the project.

The council has been awarded £297,237 by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to do a feasibility study and trial scheme.

There are five areas of the city centre where air quality needs to improve.

Cllr Andy D’Agorne said: “We already have a clean air zone for buses coming into the city centre and this now provides the opportunity to reduce diesel emissions from HGV’s and vans in the air quality management area.

“Developing suitable and sustainable alternatives will benefit the health of our residents through improved air quality, reduced congestion, and fewer large delivery vehicles around the city centre."

A third of York's carbon emissions are from transport.

Cllr Paula Widdowson added: “Air pollution remains a risk to human health. This exciting new project will help the council pioneer new ideas for the city and improve the air we breathe as we visit, work or shop in the city centre."

The scheme could also cut emissions in nearby areas, depending on the location of the trial hub.