Bristol consults on Clean Air Zone to tackle pollution

The consultation is open until 12th August 2019

Bristol City Council has launched a consultation on two options for a Clean Air Zone as part of its efforts to tackle pollution.

The first option is for a zone where the most polluting buses, coaches, taxis, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and light goods vehicles (LGVs) would be charged every day they drive into the area while private cars would be excluded.

Taxis and LGVs would be charged £9 a day while HGVs, coaches and buses would have to pay £100 a day.

It would also include an HGV weight restriction on the worst polluted routes 24 hours a day, seven days a week and a scrappage scheme of up to £2,000 for diesel cars.

The second option is banning all diesel cars from driving in a specific central area from 7am to 3pm, seven days a week, but this would not apply to taxis/private hire or emergency services.

Other measures including a scrappage scheme could also be included.

Mayor Marvin Rees said: “Air pollution affects everyone in Bristol. Whether you drive a car, cycle or walk, you are exposed to high levels of pollution which can cause breathing problems like asthma, plus other lung and heart problems, ultimately shortening lives. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is one of the most harmful pollutants and is currently at illegal levels in cities across the UK, including Bristol.

“Protecting the most vulnerable from pollution is central to our plans and we have developed the two options which we think strike the right balance, reducing toxic fumes in the shortest possible time but in a way that does not adversely affect the people with lowest incomes or widen the inequality divide in the city.

“We cannot do this alone as individuals. We must come together to take action. The next step involves giving your feedback on the options we have developed. Please tell us how you think it will affect you and what we need to consider.”

The consultation is open until 12th August 2019.

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