If the ‘ambitious’ plans are approved changes could be introduced in March 2021
Bristol City Council’s Cabinet is being asked to approve a plan for a Clean Air Zone in the city which will also see all diesel vehicles banned from a small area in the city centre.
It would mean Bristol becoming the first city in the UK to introduce a small area diesel ban on all vehicles alongside a charging zone for non-compliant commercial vehicles such as buses, taxis, HGVs and LGVs. Even the latest diesel coaches and buses would not avoid the restriction.
A car scrappage scheme would also be launched to help those with diesel cars replace them with petrol or greener hybrid and electric models.
Increase bus users
Further measures for tackling air quality through improving and prioritising public transport options are suggested, which support the Mayor of Bristol’s pledge to reduce the reliance on cars and increase the number of bus users.
Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, says: “These ambitious plans demonstrate our commitment to tackling air pollution so we meet legal limits within the shortest time, without disproportionally affecting citizens on lower incomes which would happen with a blanket approach to charging vehicles.
Those most affected
“Protecting the most vulnerable people from pollution is central to these plans and we have ensured that all impacts have been carefully considered. If approved, mitigation measures will support those most affected, especially those living in the most deprived communities.”
Working closely with the Government’s Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU), rigorous technical analysis of a number of options has taken place alongside a city-wide public consultation. These have informed an Outline Business Case (OBC) which will be presented at the cabinet meeting on 5 November.
If given the green light the ban and congestion zone will be implemented from March 2021.