To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what discussions she has had with councils on the introduction of low emission zones; (148442)

It is for individual authorities to decide how best to work towards meeting air quality objectives locally. However, the Department for Transport liaises with local authorities via the Low Emissions Strategy forum, which shares knowledge and best practice to help local authorities to improve air quality, including low emission zones. The Department is also working closely with Transport for London to support the implementation of the Mayor's London Low Emission Zone.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will consider introducing national guidelines for the rules and scope of local low emission zones. (148443)

There are currently no plans to produce specific national guidelines on low emission zones for local authorities. However, the Department issued guidance to local authorities about their second local transport plans in December 2004. That guidance indicated that all authorities should consider whether local air quality problems need to be tackled in the transport plan. Where air quality management areas had been declared related to local transport, councils must consider what action to take.