NINE cities are being held up as low emissions Clear Zone 'trailblazers' in the UK. They are Nottingham, Newcastle, Leicester, Liverpool, Bath, Bristol, Camden, Winchester and York.

Nottingham's CZ is planned to be implemented during summer 2001 and will set emissions standards for vans and trucks and operate hi-tech systems that can read registration plates to monitor vehicles entering the city. It is also considering on the spot MoT-style emissions tests. Newcastle already has 'no car' lanes throughout the city centre, with access for private car users denied between 7am and 7pm. Further proposals could see bus lanes along both quaysides and selective vehicle detection at traffic signals en-route. Alternative fuels could be introduced on buses.

Leicester's city centre has been earmarked as a low emissions zone, but no date has been set. Liverpool's city centre improvement strategy includes elimination of through car traffic with public transport investment and urban regeneration. 'Substantial' environmental improvements and measures to reallocate road space to cyclists and pedestrians are also proposed.

Bath operates a 20mph Clear Zone and manages access based on cells. Bristol is considering 'clean-fuelled' orbital service linking key developments and interchanges. There are plans for freight and service vehicle schemes in the city, but nothing has been decided. Meanwhile the London Brough of Camden has proposed experimental road closure aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the Seven Dials area of Covent Garden. No date has been fixed.

For the last 10 years Winchester has been operating a movement and access plan to address transport problems in the city. There are no plans to ban vehicles from the city centre. York already operates a traffic congestion and management system.