The 14 local authorities planning to introduce zero emissions zones from January say they will press ahead, despite calls in parliament for a delay.

The VVD is proposing that the introduction of zero emission zones be postponed until 2029 to give diesel van users more time to prepare, but the councils have said they will introduce the new rules regardless.

The issue is a matter for local not national government and the cabinet has no powers to force councils to change their positions.

From January, diesel buses and vans older than 15 years and registered as emissions class 4 will be banned from the centre of cities including Amsterdam, Utrecht and The Hague.

Check which cities and vehicles are affected

But research by motoring organisation RAI suggests 75% of the current diesel buses and vans will be able to use the zero emission zones until January 2027 and large lorries can apply for an exemption up to January 2030.

All the towns and cities introducing the zones are phasing in the changes gradually over the coming few years.

MPs on Wednesday told junior infrastructure minister Chris Jansen to come up with a plan to exempt all van drivers from the restrictions, even though it is not legally an option.