Independent think tank Bright Blue which is campaigning for low-emission zones in all English cities says any such scheme should not be confined just to London. Sam Hall, senior researcher at Bright Blue said: “The health of children in schools is being put at risk as a result of illegal levels of air pollution in cities. The scientific evidence is clear that children are among those most likely to be harmed by toxic fumes, with studies showing possible impairment of their physical development. Local authorities must have the tools they need to take action on persistent, poor air quality in their area. That’s why central government should devolve more powers and funding to English cities so that they can charge and, where necessary, ban old, polluting cars in order to protect children’s health.”