Implementation of Bristol’s clean air zone could be delayed again

A national change to bus lane regulations could result in the start date of Bristol’s clean air zone (CAZ) being pushed back yet again.

Marvin Rees revealed the setback during a press briefing on Wednesday, saying the council is currently seeking clarification on what the implications will be for long-awaited plans to tackle the city’s toxic air pollution.

The mayor said the change in regulations has resulted in one of the suppliers tasked with implementing the CAZ changing its work programme, potentially causing “some issues” with the process.

It was in 2017 that Bristol, along with other UK cities, was ordered by the government to implement measures to clean up its polluted air.

Details of the much-delayed CAZ were finally revealed in November last year ready for implementation this summer. The latest expected start date provided by Bristol City Council was September this year but that now looks likely to be pushed back.

Rees told journalists on Wednesday: “There has been a bit of an issue in that a change a national change to bus lane regulations by government has actually resulted in one of the suppliers for the implementation changing their work programme.

“We’re trying to get clarification on details of that but it’s a concern that a bit of disruption with one of the suppliers could impact on us.

“We are trying to get some clarity on the consequences of this national change for us in Bristol over the coming days.”

The mayor continued: “Tackling air quality is about dealing with vehicles that exist on our streets currently. But also, it’s about how we design the future of the city, which is why we focus on brownfield sites in the middle of the city where people won’t need cars.

“So, we’re building out car dependency and vehicle dependency in the future and building in active travel in the city design and layout.”

He added: “Physically and socially, we’ve done what we can as a local authority, but we need the government to come through now.”

When the new measures do come into play, non-compliant vehicles will be charged to enter an area that covers the city centre, a portion of Old Market and just south of the river.

The charge for older, more polluting private vehicles is £9 per day and drivers can check their motors via a national online checker, which currently states the CAZ will be implemented in “late 2022”.

The clean air zone will cover the city centre, a portion of Old Market and just south of the river – source: Bristol City Council

When details were revealed in November 2021, Bristol City Council announced a £42m funding pot had been secured from the government to help businesses and individuals make the adjustments needed to tackle air pollution.

This included £32m for businesses to upgrade HGVs, LGVs, taxis and private hire vehicles, £1.8m of loans and grants to help people on low incomes, or those commuting into the zone, upgrade their vehicles and £5.9m to help people switch to making more journeys by public transport, walking or cycling.

Bristol24/7 has asked for an update on how much of this funding has been allocated and the breakdown.

Main photo: Martin Booth 

Read more: Bristol’s clean air zone ‘likely to launch in September 2022’

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