A Harrow MP is backing a campaign to ensure diesels car drivers are given a “fair deal” as fears grow over increased tax.

Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East, is one on many two sign a letter to Chancellor Philip Hammond saying there are better ways of tackling air pollution.

A scheme proposed by Westminster City Council to charge diesel vehicles 50% more to park, is concerning MPs who worry local authorities could copy this idea.

Mr Blackman is fighting for the government to support Harrow drivers who could be part of the change to cleaner fuels and a more successful, greener economy.

He said: "It’s clear older diesel engine vehicles are polluting and action is needed to make sure we have clean air in places like my constituency of Harrow East.

"Yet demonising drivers of diesel cars by hitting them with higher taxes or parking charges is not the answer. It smacks of opportunistic greed and turning motorists into cash cows.

"That’s why I’m backing this campaign - to get a fairer deal for drivers in our area."

The letter sent by Dover MP Charlie Elphicke, chair of the FairFuelUK parliamentary group, calls for a fair replacement scheme that encourages the adoption of electric cars.

It argues that local transport authorities should be required to tackle highly polluting buses and taxis.