Belfast Council has raised a motion that could see young people travelling free on public transport in the future.

It follows concerns over high levels of air pollution in the city and suggestions congestion charges be imposed in a bid to move people away from cars, reports the Belfast Telegraph.

According to research published in 2020, one in 24 deaths in Belfast is linked to air pollution.

Stormont’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has also been consulting on a new Clean Air Strategy, and two Climate Change Bills are currently progressing through the Assembly.

The council motion, if successful, would call on Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon and Translink to set up a free public transport pilot scheme for young people.

Tabled by Green councillor Brian Smyth and seconded by party colleague Mal O’Hara, the motion reads: “This council supports the promotion and expansion of sustainable transport in Belfast as a critical step to averting climate change, address the significant levels of air pollution, reduce congestion and improve public health.