CLEAN AIR ZONE
Latest Council update
- The Council has postponed the decision to proceed with the Clean Air Zone that was due to be made this month. The reason given for the delay is the large number of responses that have to be analysed. The Council also intends to carry out further technical analysis on the proposed scheme. More detail can be found on the BANES website
- We understand that the additional work is to examine option C in greater detail. This is the option that would charge coaches, buses, HGV’s, taxis, and higher emission LGV’s and vans, but not higher emission cars. Option C shows virtually the same outcomes as option D that includes higher emission cars.
- It had been explained to us that only option D would attract the full amount of funding from Government for the additional measures needed to meet the required threshold in air quality.
- The Council now hopes to make a decision on the Clean Air Zone in March, 2019.
WA consultation response
The Clean Air Zone is a contentious set of proposals and we encouraged residents to make their own responses. Whilst there are differing views across Widcombe residents and businesses we thought the WA should formally respond. Our response can be viewed here CAZ in Bath final version revisions . If there is to be a scheme then it should implemented in the most effective way.
We all know Bath has an air pollution problem and there is a overriding importance to reduce air pollution and improve the health of residents, workers and visitors. We know there are pollution hot spots in Widcombe especially on Putney Road (outside the School) and on the Wells Road. If there is a scheme we believe that Widcombe should be included to avoid all through traffic rerouting through our streets. There are however serious concerns that the Council must address if a scheme is to proceed. Our report has the details.
We will now wait to what proposals BANES bring forward later this year.
