Besides, many city dwellers like me might just want to spend recreational time and money in Dutchess and Columbia counties without imposing vehicle pollution or parking problems on destinations that we visit for their historic verdancy.

Air pollution, particularly vehicle pollution, is an increasing problem in major cities.

At least New York would get some income, which could be used to hire more medical staff to treat the ever-rising number of cases of respiratory illness in young and old that are caused by vehicle pollution.

The study, by a group that analyzes vehicle pollution for the federal government, is likely to shift the bus debate at a time when all the leading automakers are pushing ahead with the development of electric-and-fuel hybrid cars and light-duty trucks.

Greenpeace has called on the government to take steps to discourage growth in vehicle pollution by halting the road-building programme, making city centres car-free, and investing in improved public transport.

The German Transport Ministry has announced that it is planning to introduce road pricing in order to help meet the costs of vehicle pollution and highway maintenance.

Pre-1975 cars are thought to account for as much as 30 percent of all vehicle pollution in Southern California, where mild weather allows vehicles to last longer, and California officials hailed today's announcement.

But in a move that reopens debate on vehicle pollution, top agency officials hinted that the E.P.A. preferred a so-called 49-state approach.

The Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association says that 85 percent of vehicle pollution comes from pre-1980 cars.

The new directive will also allow greater variation in tolls to take account of vehicle pollution or road congestion.