Birmingham assesses clean air zone impact on businesses

Birmingham city council is gathering data on the movement of freight to-and-from businesses in the centre of the city, as part of ongoing work to weigh up the introduction of a clean air zone.

The council launched a survey to businesses last week (6 September), which it says forms a part of its work to “assess whether there is an opportunity for companies to contribute to reducing pollution levels within the city.”

Birmingham council is assessing the potential impact of a clean air zone on businesses

Open until 6 October, the survey asks for information on the number of deliveries and collections to and from businesses on a daily basis as well as the types of vehicles used.

Outlining the scope of the consultation last week, the council stated: “The government’s ‘UK plan for reducing roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations’ identifies that Birmingham will be required to introduce measures to address air quality. One of the measures we have been asked to consider by the Government is introducing a Clean Air Zone before 2020.

“In response Birmingham City Council is currently undertaking a feasibility study to help us to understand the best ways to address air quality, including how a Clean Air Zone might work and what other measures might be required. We are looking into how we can support local businesses to meet future clean air requirements with the aim of improving public health.

“The feasibility study will help provide the evidence around the most appropriate measures which could be introduced to improve air quality in the shortest possible time. At this stage the Council has not made a decision on which measures might be appropriate, including implementing a Clean Air Zone.”

Clean air zone

Clean air zones — which would limit movements of vehicles in highly polluted areas — have been identified by government as an effective means of improving air quality, and are among the measures set out in the national air quality plan as effective in tackling emissions.

Birmingham one of 29 named within the government’s nitrogen dioxide plan as having to draw up proposals to tackle air pollution locally.

Councils named within the plan have until March 2018 to draw up draft proposals to address nitrogen dioxide pollution from road traffic in their area, with a final deadline of December 2018 to have firm plans in place.

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Birmingham city council: Clean Air Zone Survey