MOTORISTS in Winchester could be hit with fines of up to £60 in a bid to reduce air pollution in the city centre.

Drivers using roads in the city centre could be subject to roadside tests to see if their vehicles are emitting too many poisonous gases. Remote sensors would pick up offending cars, vans and lorries, which would then be pulled over.

Motorists could also be ordered to turn-off their engines whenever they are parked. The rule would include taxi drivers, delivery vehicles, buses and people waiting to pick someone up. It is proposed the powers would be used on several days each month although city chiefs say they are not certain to go ahead with the idea.

Civic bosses say fines would probably only be issued to drivers of "smoky" vehicles.

The plans have been announced as part of a drive by civic chiefs in the city to cut pollution after Winchester was made the first air quality management area in Hampshire.

That move came about after tests conducted on main roads through the town revealed levels of gases and particles above accepted government limits. The council has to come up with an action plan within 18 months for reducing levels of the two main pollutants, nitrogen dioxide and particles.

Proposals include drawing up workplace and school run action plans, promoting walking and cycling, looking at using cleaner buses on the park-and-ride service, and talking to taxi drivers about cabs which are less polluting.

Winchester City Council's ruling Cabinet is likely to rubberstamp the action plan tomorrow. City residents will then get a chance to have their say before the plan is introduced during 2005.