Southampton outlines CAZ consultation views

Details of the 9,000 responses received by Southampton city council as part of its consultation on the establishment of a Clean Air Zone in the city have been published.

The local authority was instructed by government to submit proposals to address exceedances of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air pollution limits on roads within the city.

Southampton council is proposing to charge some vehicles to drive in a Clean Air Zone
Photo: Professional Images

Details of the responses suggest that residents recognise the problems caused by air pollution — but a range of views on the potential solution to the issue exist.

Southampton, which is working alongside New Forest district council, has consulted residents and businesses on the prospect of introducing a ‘Class B’ charging Clean Air Zone from early 2020

The proposal would see buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) below the Euro VI emissions standard, charged up to £100 per day to enter the zone in the centre of the city.

Business case

The authority is now preparing its full business case which is expected to be prepared and submitted by Southampton by 31 January 2019, and 31 December 2018 by New Forest council.

Southampton city council Councillor Steve Leggett, the council’s cabinet member for green city said: “The scale of the public reaction to the consultation confirms that people living, working and visiting Southampton share our commitment to improving the quality of air in the city.

“The feedback provides us with a clear understanding of what people think is important — including the impact on public health, transport and the economy. Combined with further technical analysis, public feedback will play a key role in informing our plan.”

Related Links
Southampton CAZ consultation responses report