ENGINEERS at Ford Dunton are leading early work to combat fuel emissions following the announcement that petrol and diesel cars will be phased out by 2040 as concerns are once again raised by the levels of pollution in Basildon, Rochford and Southend.

The Dunton Technical Centre will begin testing of a new hybrid Ford Transit van this autumn as part of a 12-month trial to see how much emissions can be decreased by running solely on electric power.

The importance of the project has become evident following Environment Secretary Michael Gove announcing the Government’s new clean air plan.

Representatives from the centre say that it had already been expecting to see a decision like it made.

The 5,000 engineers at the Dunton Centre have already been researching ways of decreasing emissions from Ford engines. A facility filled with 100 engine testing cells are being used “constantly” to move the project forward.

The Managing Director of Ford UK, Andrew Barratt, said: “We welcome the measures announced in the Government’s air quality plan which supports the existing trajectory of the industry. We also recognise the importance and value of urban air quality and are working with the Government to take action.”

The trial will be taken on by Transport for London, the Metropolitan Police and London taxi company, Addison Lee and others who will use a share of the 20 Transits developed in Dunton as part of their fleets.

Meanwhile, according to a report from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for Transport, Basildon and Rochford are among the areas in the country which are well above the legal limit for pollution.

Southend was also found by the British Lung Foundation to have emissions levels said to be “deeply concerning”.

In order to deal with the issue, local councils are beginning to formulate plans to improve the situation both in the short and longer term.

Kevin Bentley, deputy leader at Essex County Council, said: “Although it is too early to say exactly what the announcement will mean for travel in Essex, we are confident it will align with our forward-thinking approach to transport infrastructure in the county which looks to use technology to deliver more, for less, for our residents.”

The council had also introduced new “smart” streetlights which can monitor traffic and pollution to help reduce congestion in the future. Mr Bentley said: “In future, through our role in the planning process, we will be advocating that new residential developments include electric charging units to support the rollout of electric vehicles.”