I believe a policy of free buses for large towns and cities in the underfunded North (for example Leeds) would meet clean air targets overnight as well as being positive economically.

This one simple policy can deliver significant gains in the following areas and be self-funding within 5 years.

• Meet clean air targets and therefore climate targets
• Faster citywide transfer time
• Productivity gains
• National health savings
• Reviving the high street economy
• Mental health boosts from reduced commutes
• Helping correct social and generational inequalities by granting free travel for all

Free citywide buses can rapidly deliver all the above without costly/slow and controversial infrastructure projects, and all within a timescale aligned with the urgency required from the climate emergency.

By providing the solution first approach this can be self funding over time by gradual increases to the following as economic benefits start to flow through;

• Council Tax
• Local business tax
• Congestion charges
• Bus advertising

In addressing a Parliamentary committee David Attenborough said;
“We cannot be radical enough in dealing with these issues,”

The British Lung Foundation states that;
“Lung disease is the 4th most costly disease area to the UK… costing the UK £11bn per year”

It may not be the only way for Leeds or other towns and cities to meet climate change targets, but it is the only way it can be delivered quickly and cost effectively, with certainty and in a way that enhances lifestyles and doesn’t just look to penalise them. Also this is far from untested, studies in France are already delivering greater prosperity and equality of opportunity.