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FEARS for Portsmouth's poorest families have been raised as the council leader admitted it is 'highly likely' a charge on driving in the city will be imposed by the government - and it could cost up to £20 a day.

After the council's plea for funding to improve air quality was dismissed Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson warned the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will probably enforce a clean air zone on Portsea Island.

Cllr Vernon-Jackson said: 'It is almost certain the government will impose this on us.'

Vehicles that are not considered compliant would have to pay each day to drive in the city. These include petrol cars registered before 2006 and diesel cars from prior to 2015.

Although Cllr Vernon-Jackson acknowledged the need for clean air he worried about the impact of a charge. 'Some of the poorest people in the city might not be able to afford a compliant car,' he said.

'And this is a disincentive for businesses to come to the city. If that's going to mean fewer jobs that could mean more people living in poverty. This in turn leads to worse health, which is what the clean air zone is trying to help.'

The council has until October provide a plan on how to improve air quality without the need for a chargeable zone, or the measure will be imposed.

Government-imposed charge on driving cars in Portsmouth is step closer, warns council leader