A majority of MPs are calling on ministers to intervene in local authority plans to set up zero-emission zones from next year.

Last week the government abandoned its opposition to the introduction of zero-emission zones in some city centres after local authorities dug in their heels. The plan to delay the introduction of zero-emission zones in at least 14 towns and cities was included in the coalition agreement.

The introduction of low or zero-emission zones is up to local authorities not national government and the four big cities, plus several others including Maastricht, Gouda and Den Bosch, said earlier this month they will press ahead with their plans.

Check which cities and vehicles are affected

Amsterdam, for example, is bringing in a transition period, but from 2028 all but electric cars and vans will be banned from the city centre.  The Hague’s transition period will run up to 2030.

The plans to ban older diesel cars and vans are causing headaches for small businesses. Some 200,000 company vehicles will fall foul of the new rules when they start coming into effect in January and need to be replaced with electric vans.

“From bakers and butchers to technicians and painters with one or just a few delivery trucks must be able to reach their customers in zero emissions zones,” employers organisation VNO-NCW said.

The parliamentary support for small firms has now forced junior infrastructure minister Chris Jansen to pledge to try to “steer” local councils towards a delay.

MPs have given him until November 1 to come up with a proposal to exempt small firms and market stall owners from the restrictions up to 2029.

Meanwhile, a number of motoring organisations, including transport and logistics group TLN, have urged the government not to intervene. “With just over two months left until the introduction of zero-emission zones, there should be clarity for entrepreneurs,” the organisations say.