Toxic particles which affect organs, brains and unborn babies are being ignored by the city council, claims the Canterbury Green Party.

Campaigners say the authority - which recently agreed to put its air quality plan into action - is not taking steps to tackle the city’s most severe pollutants.

Proposals set out in the plan include fining drivers who leave their engines running while stationary, investigating the possibility of running park and ride buses to and from railway stations, and encouraging car sharing.

Before the plan was approved by councillors at a policy and resources meeting, Green Party spokesman Henry Stanton claimed the council was out of touch.

“This plan won’t do its job - the council does not take the issue of air pollution seriously enough,” he said. “Your report claims nitrogen dioxide is the main concern.

“But the most serious is the PM 2.5 particles. They are the ones that get into organs, brains and foetuses - and you don’t monitor for them at all.

“They’ve been linked to poorer memory and vocabulary, below average performance on intelligence tests and to delinquent behaviour.”

Mr Stanton also highlighted the particles, which inflame cells, as factors leading to hyperactivity and autism disorders.

Currently, Canterbury has a number of ‘air quality hotspots’ - zones which are above the maximum national target for pollution levels.

Mr Stanton also questioned the council’s approval of the controversial multi-storey car park in Station Road West and says the authority’s push to promote more cycling “lacks urgency”.

In contrast, Steve Coombs, from the Get Canterbury Moving campaign group, accused the Green Party of “scaremongering”.

Despite Mr Stanton’s objections, the action plan was passed.

Council spokesman Rob Davie said: “We have put together a wide ranging set of proposals to tackle air quality that will be going out to consultation later this month. The best suggestions often come from the public so we will welcome views - no idea is unworthy of consideration.”