Bath's drivers choke on plans for daily £9 pollution charge

City says government is forcing it to take action to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels

The city of Bath may have a reputation for gentility but plans to charge many motorists 9 a day to drive into its Georgian streets are provoking anger and resentment.

High levels of pollution, largely caused by topography - the city lies in a giant bowl - are forcing the council to act, but critics say the move will hit people struggling financially and force traffic out into areas just outside the zone.