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Coronavirus looks set to hit the launch of Birmingham's new Clean Air Zone.

The tariff was due to come into force this summer but the city council has written to the Government requesting a postponement until at least 2021.

Transport chief Cllr Waseem Zaffar has written to both the transport and environment secretaries to say that covid-19 was having a "profound impact on the economy of the city and our preparations for the Clean Air Zone".

The new scheme will see high-polluting cars, buses and other vehicles charged to enter a city centre zone, approximately bordered by the A4540 ring road.

It was initially supposed to commence in January but was then delayed until July and then again until the end of August at the earliest.

The letter said: "Businesses are focused on trying to support their employees through an extraordinary situation rather than upgrade their vehicle fleets.

"Low income workers and residents are focused on ensuring they and their families stay safe, rather than apply for an exemption or financial incentive.

"Covid-19 is also creating a high level of uncertainty amongst our delivery partners, some of whom are jointly contracted by central government.