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Proposals for a fleet-friendly approach to air quality have been outlined by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).
The association is making representations amid the ongoing move by cities to draw up plans for Clean Air Zones (CAZ), with polluted areas required by the UK Government to submit plans for CAZs by March.
The BVRLA released its proposals to coincide with an event jointly hosted by it, the Energy Saving Trust and Leeds City Council.
The council is proposing to charge lorries and taxis for city centre access unless they meet Euro 6 emissions standards.
BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: "Leeds Clean Air Zone will be a major development in the history and development of the local area.
"It will affect hundreds of thousands of people not just in Leeds but across the region, together with tens of thousands of businesses.
"It's vital that the development of the CAZ is based on wide consultation to maximise its effectiveness, and not have an adverse impact on the wider economy and people's quality of life."
The BVRLA's proposals highlight the clean air credentials of the vehicle rental, leasing and car club sectors, and also urge policy makers to focus on three priorities when considering CAZs and other air quality measures.
Firstly, providing a managed transition for businesses and individuals, with attention given to those that cannot afford to upgrade their vehicles.
Secondly, ensuring that CAZs are a catalyst for a change in behaviour, with residents and businesses encouraged and incentivised to consider more sustainable vehicles or modes of transport.
Thirdly, providing more incentives for low-emission vehicles, particularly electric ones.
Keaney added: "We hope that this forum will be the first of many proactive and ongoing discussions between policymakers and fleet operators around the vital issue of air quality.
"It is vital that CAZs and other air quality measures are not just seen as a punitive stealth tax or piece of red tape. We all want to see fewer, cleaner vehicles used in cities, and the best chance of delivering this new vision of urban mobility will come from working together."
Andrew Benfield, group director of transport at the Energy Saving Trust, said: "Clean air is important to everyone and the Energy Saving Trust is pleased to be supporting Leeds City Council with initiatives to reduce emissions that cause poor air quality.
"Fleets are an important audience and working with the BVRLA means that we can influence a significant market of vehicles that are leased and rented in large numbers.
"Although most leased and rental vehicles are the most modern and clean, it's important to be challenging and supportive of fleet operators through their vehicle choice process.
"The Energy Saving Trust works with fleet operators to find the cleanest vehicles available to support the campaign to improve the air quality in towns and cities such as Leeds."
Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council's executive board member with responsibility for environment and sustainability, said: "We are very pleased to welcome the BVRLA to Leeds, and are keen to listen to their ideas and views on the proposed CAZ.
"As part of our consultation process we want to ensure we are giving a voice and also listening to the views of everyone affected by this decision."
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