AN action plan to clean up the air in the most polluted parts of a Hampshire town has been launched.

Fareham Borough Council has put together a list of targets to help improve the air quality in Gosport Road and Portland Street – two of the busiest roads in the town centre – throughout 2009.

It includes installing “turn off your engine” signs in the bus station and taxi ranks and putting up signs encouraging car sharing.

The plan also includes improving the emission standards of the council’s vehicle fleet, encouraging a reduction in emissions from the town’s buses, providing real-time information at bus stops, and promoting school travel plans and public transport.

Councillor Arthur Mandry, executive member for public protection, said: “It is important that we do what we can to reduce emissions of nitrogen dioxide on our roads. Even switching off your engine while in a traffic jam can make a difference.”