Worcester residents are being urged to voice their opinions on the city's air quality in a survey.

Worcester City Council has launched public consultations on two proposal drafts.

One is aimed at improving present air quality, while the other is designed to ensure that future construction does not compromise air quality.

Worcester businesses and visitors to the city are also invited to provide their opinions on the proposals.

One proposal draft is the Air Quality Action Plan, created to address high nitrogen dioxide levels in the city’s atmosphere, primarily caused by road vehicles.

This plan includes support for electric vehicle use, promotion of cycling and other active travel, improving the City Council’s vehicles' environmental efficiency, and reduction of lorries in the city centre, among others.

The draft does not propose any charges for petrol or diesel vehicles in Worcester.

The other consultation is in coordination with Wychavon and Malvern Hills councils.

They've jointly prepared a draft Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), providing guidelines on constructing new homes and other buildings in a manner that won't exacerbate air quality concerns.

Vice chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee, Councillor Karen Lewing, said: "Poor air quality can have a negative effect on both people and our environment, leading to increased potential for illness and, in cases where someone suffers long-term exposure to heavily polluted air, death.

"That is why it is so important that we put the right measures in place to tackle this issue now and into the future."

The Air Quality Action Plan consultation will run until September 15, while the deadline for the Air Quality SPD consultation is September 4.

Both consultations can be completed at www.worcester.gov.uk/voiceit

For those without internet access, printed copies of the two consultations can be collected at the Guildhall in High Street or can be requested by calling 01905 722233.