SOUTHAMPTON would be able to impose tough curbs on pollution-pumping vehicles – to cut the heavy death toll from fumes – under plans outlined by Labour.

The city council would be handed the power to introduce a “low emission zone” along the lines of London, the Opposition pledged.

The move comes after the Government admitted that air pollution will continue to kill scores of people every year in Southampton until 2030.

However, Conservative councillors in the city have criticised the plan and warned against imposing a “stealth tax” that could hit businesses.

Restrictions under the Labour proposals could include:

Charges on the worst fume-pumping lorries and vans

Requiring bus firms to introduce modern, cleaner vehicles

Diverting traffic away from schools and the most polluted areas

Preventing vehicles from “idling” – creating more fumes

Planting more trees – to suck up dangerous particulates.

Maria Eagle, Labour’s environment spokeswoman, said: “The facts about air pollution are truly shocking.

“It’s one of the leading causes of cancer, and studies show that it can also cause asthma in children and coronary heart disease among older people.

“Labour will devolve the power – not just the responsibility – and support local authorities that want to tackle this public health crisis.”

The Government has admitted that European limits on deadly nitrogen dioxide – blamed with other particulate gases for 110 deaths in Southampton every year – will be missed.

A further 495 people die annually for the same reason across Hampshire, including in the New Forest (97), Isle of Wight (78), Fareham (59), Eastleigh (55), Test Valley (51) and Winchester (51).

Higher-than-expected emissions from diesel cars are blamed, after they replaced petrol cars because they produce less carbon dioxide, blamed for climate change.

Southampton City Council Conservative opposition deputy leader Jeremy Moulton agreed the city’s air quality needs improvement but warned against imposing measures as a “stealth tax” which could harm the local economy.

He said: “We have a lot of lorries coming into the port which are vital for trade and jobs. We need to be working with the haulage companies within the industry.

“A key part is getting more environmentally friendly vehicles on the roads and speeding up traffic flows so people aren’t sitting in queues.”

As reported by the Daily Echo, an air-monitoring station based close to two of the city’s most congested roads, is being axed by city chiefs to cut costs.

The station, based in Millbrook Road, was used to measure potentially toxic fumes from traffic and industries.

Local councils are now responsible for paying any European Union fines levied because anti-pollution targets will be missed.

Yet, said Ms Eagle, they lacked the muscle to introduce low emission zones – despite up to 20, including Southampton, exploring the option.

Under Labour’s plans, councils would be able to adopt a single national package of ideas to encourage cleaner, greener, less polluting vehicles.

Southampton is joined by Portsmouth, London, Birmingham and Leeds on a list of the biggest urban areas where dangerous air pollution will continue until 2030.