New ‘end of 2022’ target for Bristol’s clean air zone

Green councillors are calling for more details on why Bristol’s long-awaited clean air zone (CAZ) has been delayed again.

David Wilcox accused the city’s Labour administration of being “concerningly vague” about the setback, which is being blamed on a national change to bus lane regulations.

Bristol City Council has said it is now working towards a start date of “the end of the year” as it promises to seek further clarity on the situation.

It has also asked the government for an extension to the temporary exemption period for those who are eligible to reflect any revised launch date.

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

The latest delay came to light on Wednesday when Bristol24/7 asked mayor Marvin Rees if the CAZ – which was due to come into play this September – was on track.

The council said the city had been on schedule to introduce the CAZ then but that a recent government change to national traffic enforcement regulations has meant work programmes have had to be adjusted to ensure the zone meets the new legislation.

Wilcox, a Green councillor for Lockleaze and joint shadow cabinet member for transport, says continued uncertainty and unanswered questions are making it harder for people and businesses to prepare and are “undermining the scheme itself”.

“Looking at this track record, the reasons given by the administration for yet another setback are concerningly vague and it’s absolutely vital that they provide more detailed information on the reason for this delay and what effect it will have on those relying on the exemption period,” said Wilcox.

“It didn’t have to be like this – Leeds Council were clear about the launch of their clean air zone and communicated well in advance, resulting in so many people switching away from polluting vehicles that their charging zone wasn’t needed.

“The mayor has promised the rest of his tenure will be about delivery – clean, breathable air for Bristol should be the bare minimum on this front, and the continued failure to sort this out is an appalling dereliction of basic duty towards Bristolians.

“Our city is being left choking in traffic fumes while other cities like Birmingham have pressed on and established working zones which are already working to improve air quality.”

BristolCity Council says the remaining cameras for the CAZ will go up in July and August – photo: Ellie Pipe

Bristol24/7 has asked for more clarity on dates and details so far on the allocation of funding designed to support businesses and individuals to make the changes needed to help clean up the city’s toxic air pollution.

It is hoped a revised start date will be confirmed soon.

In the meantime, a council spokesperson said: “The council is working with government and its contractors to agree a start date for when the zone will start operating. We are working to a start date towards the end of the year.

“The council is otherwise on track to launch the clean air zone as soon as possible and meet government targets for air pollution in 2023, five years earlier than previous proposals. Test cameras have recently been successfully installed and the remaining cameras will go up in July and August. Motorists will also start seeing signs for the zone across the city from next month.

“The change to national traffic enforcement regulations is taking place across the whole parking sector and has affected suppliers, councils and parking providers nationwide.

“The changes not being implemented correctly would mean that parking penalty charge notices are not legal. The regulation change has required suppliers, councils and parking providers to make changes to systems, statutory documents, challenge letters and representation letters.”

Main photo: Ellie Pipe

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

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