Green-minded Colchester councillors have backed a controversial proposal which may lead to the most polluting cars being banned from parts of the town.
The idea of low emission zones - where only clean-fuelled vehicles could be driven - was one of four ideas aimed at making the town greener.
But councillor John Jowers warned the environment and transport policy panel on Thursday night that there was a fine line between being green and "being loony".
The vote came after councillors read a report which stated nitrogen dioxide levels in High Street were only just within the safe standards recommended by an air quality review strategy.
But Mr Jowers (Con, West Mersea) said low emission zones would unfairly punish poorer motorists for not being able to afford newer, less polluting cars.
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