• Swindon & Wiltshire Eco
• Wednesday November 29 2023
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Bristol hails success of city centre Clean Air Zone

Bristol City Council has hailed the success of the city’s Clean Air Zone on its first anniversary, publishing figures to show the impact on traffic and pollution.

The council said the CAZ was mandated by the government to tackle illegal levels of air pollution.

Over the first six months of the scheme, air quality has been monitored both inside and outside the Clean Air Zone.

The tests – says the council – suggest Bristol is ‘on track’ to achieve success.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “The Clean Air Zone, mandated by national government, was never about generating income, it was about delivering cleaner air to secure a healthier future for Bristol.

“A year after the start of the Clean Air Zone, this report from the Joint Air Quality Unit demonstrates that we are on track.”

The mayor said “82 per cent of cars are now compliant,” – although, presumably, he is talking about drivers travelling through the CAZ and choosing, where applicable, to pay the daily levy – £9 for cars, £100 for lorries, buses, and coaches – if their car does not meet emissions standards.

Drivers of non-compliant cars can still move around the city by driving through the inner suburbs.

The mayor said thousands of Bristolians had taken up some of the £42 million of funding support, accessing 25,000 travel offers, including bus tickets, cycle training, bike loans, and car club vouchers.

“However, we still have a significant amount of financial support available for individuals and businesses, and so I encourage everyone to have a look and see if you’re eligible,” he said.

Christina Gray, director of communities and public health, said: “These early results from Bristol’s Clean Air Zone are a positive indication that we are heading towards a healthier Bristol.

“Clean air is important in helping reduce the risk of respiratory issues and infections such as asthma, lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Air pollution can also contribute to other health issues like depression.

“Our children, grandchildren, and beyond will benefit from the cleaner air that we are all delivering through changing vehicle use and our active travel.”