TRESA has received the following notification from Mayor Marvin Rees indicating that Bristol will not meet the legal deadline (31st December 2018) for announcing a clean air plan for the city:
Bristol City Council is developing a Clean Air Plan which aims to reduce the harm caused to health from nitrogen dioxide and particulates. A range of different measures are being considered, and a key measure could include a Clean Air Zone (CAZ).
Five draft Clean Air Zone options are currently being modelled. This technical work will show us which options could reach the air quality target that has been set by central government. The five options are based around two zones (a small and a medium) and show the levels achieved with and without a charge on cars passing through the zone. The final option is a non- charging CAZ, this is also being modelled at the moment. More detail can be found here; Cabinet Report Each of the Clean Air Zone options is complemented by a range of other measures to help ensure improvement in air quality.
It is essential we work closely with the government to look at what scheme would work best for Bristol, taking into account the costs and anticipating consequences of each. A failure to do this would not only risk a disproportionate financial impact on those least able to pay, it would also risk the plan failing to deliver the improved air quality it was designed for. But it’s not enough for central government to set a standard and then walk away without lifting a finger to help. For example, they could commit to a diesel scrappage scheme, giving support to people effected [sic]. Success in tackling poor air quality will be dependent on adequate funding.
The results of this technical work will gradually begin coming through over the coming months. Following this, we will have a clearer idea of what will reach compliance. We will then consult with the public, the business community and other city stakeholders in advance of moving the project forward.
During this time we will continue to work with colleagues in Public Health to make sure we continue to raise awareness of the impacts of poor air quality.
Thank you for your interest in this project. If you would like to know more information about the impacts of poor air quality and the action we are taking please visit our website; http://www.cleanairforbristol.org/ This will also be where any project updates will be posted.
Kind regards
Marvin Rees
Mayor of Bristol