The Chinese government has announced plans to remove six million vehicles from the country's roads that do not meet exhaust emission standards.

This is according to a statement on the government's web portal, which says the vehicles will be taken off the roads by the end of this year.

The move is aimed at reducing levels of air pollution, which have been causing serious problems in China. A recent report revealed over 31 per cent of air pollution in Beijing is a result of vehicle exhaust fumes.

"Strengthening control on vehicle emissions will be a major agenda item for the country's energy savings, emissions reductions, and low-carbon development during the next two years," the website statement reads.

Some 20 per cent of the vehicles to be removed are in the municipalities of Beijing and Tianjin, as well as Hebei Province, which have all been affected by smog. 

News of the Chinese government's action follows the publication of a report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development which revealed air pollution costs China an estimated $1.4 trillion (£830 billion) every year.