A STUDY into the pollution caused by idling car engines in traffic has shown that Oldham is the 102nd worst borough in the country with above average emissions.

Research from the group SaveOnEnergy.com reveals that the North West is second only to London for CO2 output.

On average, each vehicle in the region is subject to 8,251 hours of delay over a lifetime, leading to an average of 11,921 kg of toxic fumes per vehicle - equivalent to 1,831 homes' electricity use for one year.

Although the Oldham figures are disappointing, the town is 16th in the North West for CO2 emissions, well below Halton in Cheshire (eighth).

Neighbouring towns are also worse. Bolton is 10th, Blackburn with Darwen 12th, Bury is 13th, Wigan, 14th and Merseyside is 15th.

Oldham and Rochdale are 16th and 17th respectively.

The study's findings may strengthen Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham's hand in his bid to introduce a Clean Air Zone in the city region which may be signed off by summer after months of public consultation.

Vans, buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles and lorries that do not meet emission standards would have to pay a daily charge to drive in the city-region under the plans.

Local authorities across the UK have been mandated by the government to introduce charging Clean Air Zones to combat illegal levels of air pollution in the shortest possible time.

Air pollution largely caused by vehicle emissions has been linked with 1,200 deaths a year in Greater Manchester, and it is hoped that legal compliance in the region will be met by 2024.

If approved, the Clean Air Zone would be the largest of its kind in England when it comes into effect in spring 2022.

Non-compliant buses and heavy goods vehicles would pay £60 a day to drive within the zone, with vans paying £10 and taxi and private hire vehicles paying £7.50.

Greater Manchester wants the government to provide £150million to help businesses and individuals switch to cleaner vehicles, but the government has committed £41m so far.

More than 4,700 people, businesses and organisations had their say on the proposals, with some businesses fearing the Clean Air Zone will punish those still reeling from the impact of Covid-19.

There are also concerns that the funding package being sought by Greater Manchester leaders will not go far enough.

The combined authority says the final plan will include updated analysis of the potential impacts of the pandemic on those who will be affected by the Clean Air Zone.