PLANS to improve the standard of air quality in York include encouraging more people to work from home and the introduction of more cycle and pedestrian routes.

A range of revised measures was being discussed by councillors today to be included in the interim Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP), which is being submitted to the Government

In a report to members, City of York Council's air quality strategy officer, Elizabeth Bates, lists key improving measures as encouraging more walking and cycling through awareness campaigns, and cutting down school run journeys; getting more people using public transport, through improving information, ticketing and reducing bus fares and introducing "water buses"; cutting the number and distance of trips by improving the outer ring road; encouraging car sharing and improving signs to tourist attractions.

Officers will discover next month if a new bid to get financial support from the Government for its local air quality management work has been successful.

Key points of action to be contained in the report to DEFRA include:

The introduction of a car share scheme by end of 2005

The opening of a sixth Park&Ride site by summer, 2006

The development and adoption of a new cycling strategy by the end of 2004

Increasing bus patronage to 28 per cent on the Metro bus routes by December 2005.

The final report must be submitted to by July 31.

The matter was going before the executive members for environment and sustainability today.

Updated: 10:39 Wednesday, April 14, 2004