The thinktank’s annual Cities Outlook report, published today, found the proportion of deaths related to the deadly toxin PM2.5 is highest in cities and large towns in south east England such as Slough, Luton and London, where an estimated one in 16 people die from exposure.

Meanwhile cities in Scotland and northern England see the smallest proportion of PM2.5-related deaths. Aberdeen is the city with the lowest proportion, at one in 33.

Centre for Cities is calling for the government to adopt World Health Organization guidelines on safe levels of PM 2.5, which is currently exceeded by 62.5% of monitored UK roads, and triple the size of its Clean Air Zone fund to £660m.

It is also calling on councils to introduce Ultra Low Emission Zones to charge car and van drivers in city centres and ban the use of wood burning stoves and coal fires in areas where air pollution levels exceed guidelines.

Centre for Cities chief executive Andrew Carter said: “Politicians often talk tough on addressing air pollution but we need to see more action.

“Cities should be at the centre of the fight against toxic air and councils should take the steps needed, including charging people to drive in city centres and banning wood burning stoves.”