Updated: POLLUTION in York has been labelled “a disgrace” by environmental campaigners following revelations it is linked to three deaths in the city every week.

City of York Council’s executive will next week be recommended to devise a low emission strategy after a council report revealed the connection between pollution and an estimated 158 deaths in York every year.

Figures also show the city’s average 2009 levels of dangerous nitrogen dioxide exceeded both the council’s and the Government’s target and stood at their highest point in seven years.

The strategy is also considered vital in preventing damage to York’s ancient landmarks, protecting its tourist reputation, attracting funding for future climate change initiatives and staving off the possibility of Government fines and sanctions.

The main causes of the problem are high levels of emissions from vehicles and development, with blackspots including Fishergate, Holgate Road, Nunnery Lane and Gillygate.

Guy Wallbanks, co-ordinator of York and Ryedale Friends of the Earth, said: “Air pollution levels in York are a disgrace because we have had years to solve this problem and still have streets with nearly double the levels of nitrogen dioxide. Not only are these high levels a hazard to health and property, they are also illegal.

“We have to take urgent action to bring air pollution in York down to safe levels.” Green councillor Dave Taylor, who represents the Fishergate ward, said: “If 158 people were killed in a train crash, there would be demands to do something, so I’m glad this is being looked at because it’s an obligation. We need a strong strategy to reduce the amount of traffic coming into the city centre, encourage more people to cycle and walk, cut bus emissions and include taxis.”

Council leader Andrew Waller said the strategy could also look at promoting electric car usage.

He said: “York takes sustainability very seriously but also has specific issues, such as narrow streets and the way poor air hangs around in its climate. We want the city to be seen as innovative and harness technology to encourage people to live more sustainably.”