News / Environment
Greens’ congestion charge proposals slammed
Bristol’s ambitious pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030 – and recognition of the climate emergency we face – gained cross party consensus in November.
But the best way to clean up the city’s killer air pollution and encourage people to get out of their cars has created divisions among the different political parties.
Mayor Marvin Rees branded the Green group’s congestion charge proposals “an example of people seeing the challenge of climate change through a prism of privilege” at a full council meeting on Tuesday.
is needed now More than ever
Jerome Thomas (pictured on the far left with fellow Green Party members in one of Bristol’s most congested spots) says the proposals would ease congestion and provide funding for better public transport
Putting forward the proposed budget amendment, Jerome Thomas, a Green councillor for Clifton, said charging the 60 per cent of ‘out-of-town’ daily commuters the equivalent of a bus fare to enter the city would generate at least £6.5m a year by 2023/24.
He argued the move would reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, provide funding for transport improvements and reduce the burden on Bristol’s council tax payers.
Speaking on Tuesday, Thomas said: “The public indicate again and again that a good bus network would transform how people travel in the city, with all the attendant benefits to health, the economy and our environment.
“It is the transport system that encourages equality for all, from the poorest to the wealthiest in Bristol.
“This is a bold and vital step towards solving our transport problems and creating a city for the future.”
Referring to the Bristol Draft Transport Strategy, he said traffic congestion is the number one transport challenge facing the city.
Thomas added: “We want transport improvements with credible funding streams, not in twenty years time that require funding that central Government will be unwilling to provide. Greens believe this is a bold step in the right direction.”
The call comes as the council works to produce a clean air plan for the city – having twice missed a government-imposed deadline. Initial proposals are due to be published in March.
………………..
Read more: Greens slam council failure to meet Bristol’s clean air deadline – again
………………..
The legalities of the Greens’ call to charge certain drivers based on where they live was called into question by some councillors on Tuesday.
Addressing the amendment, Rees said: “Your hyped proposal to introduce a congestion charge is mistaken and seriously flawed. It will worsen poverty.
“And just in case you think you can only charge out-of-town residents, you cannot; I’m afraid it’s illegal. It’s not good enough for your second shot at a major policy.
“We have done substantial modelling on clean air zones and will table our initial plans to improve air quality in the city in March, based on evidence.
“The evidence clearly shows a charging zone for individual cars will adversely and disproportionately impact on the most deprived communities in Bristol.
“A congestion charge is an example of people seeing the challenge of climate change through a prism of privilege.
“This Labour administration will deliver carbon neutrality and clean air and tackle climate change in Bristol and we will do so alongside social justice and equality, with inclusive and sustainable growth.”
The Greens’ proposals to charge out-of-town drivers were voted down by all other parties
The amendment failed to get the backing of the other parties and was ultimately voted down.
Peter Abraham, a Tory councillor for Stoke Bishop, said the proposal “missed the point completely”, while admitting that it’s time for councillors – including him – to start being a bit more open-minded about ways to ease congestion in the city.
“I see this motion as just grandstanding and trying to suggest ‘charge them out there and not us’ is a cheap way of trying to get some headlines when the matter is too serious for that. We really must face up to the reality that we must do something.”
Lib Dem councillor for Knowle, Gary Hopkins called the amendment a distraction “that lets people off the hook”.
Read more: Is Clean Air Zone enough to address Bristol’s public health crisis?
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
