Bradford to consider a Clean Air Zone

Bradford Council will meet next week to discuss the potential introduction of a Class C Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in October 2021. 

In October 2018, Bradford was one of 28 councils instructed by the government to develop a plan which assesses a range of interventions to reduce pollution ‘in the shortest possible time.’

The current preferred choice is the introduction of a Class C CAZ that will require a daily charge for non-compliant vehicles such as buses, coaches, taxis and heavy goods vehicles. 

The charge will not include private cars. 

Additional measures which might also be considered include increasing the support for drivers of electric vehicles and also improving access to alternative energy facilities. 

The Class C CAZ is similar to the action that has been proposed by Sheffield Council which is set to be introduced at the start of 2021.

The council will work closely with the research programme Born, to explore the health and economic impacts of the plan. 

Council leader, Susan Hinchcliffe, said: ‘This ambitious plan will improve the health of every resident in the district and will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our Climate Emergency declaration.

‘These plans are being shaped by the views of local residents and businesses and will improve the environment for people in the district.’

Dr Rosie McEachan, director of Born in Bradford said: ‘Poor air quality is a major cause of early death and illness. 

‘Our own research with families in Bradford has shown exposure to polluted air during pregnancy increases the risk of babies being born with low birth weight, and a quarter of all childhood asthma cases in the city are caused by traffic-related air pollution.

‘We’re proud that our findings are helping the council to find new and ambitious ways of tackling air pollution within the district and are planning an exciting new research project to evaluate the impact of the CAZ on air quality and health. 

‘We will be working with families across Bradford to help monitor the effects on health and well being.’ 

Photo Credit – Pixabay