Bristol seeks feedback on its two clean air zone options

Bristol City Council has released its clean air plans for consultation, which includes two options to lower pollution in the shortest possible time.

The first is a plan to introduce a Clean Air Zone where private cars not charged. Instead polluting buses, coaches, taxis, heavy (HGVs) and light goods vehicles (LGVs) would be charged for each day they are driven in the zone. Taxis and LGVs would be charged £9 per day. HGVs, coaches and buses £100.

The first option would also include a 24-hour a day, seven day a week HGV weight restriction on the worst polluted routes.

A diesel car ban on Upper Maudlin Street and Park Row running from St James Barton roundabout to Park Street between 7am and 3pm, seven days a week (this would not apply to taxis/private hire or emergency services).

Bus and local traffic changes in the most polluting areas including an inbound bus lane on the M32, an inbound bus lane on Cumberland Road and using existing traffic signals to control the amount of traffic entering congested areas with poor air quality.

A scrappage scheme (up to £2,000) for diesel cars. This would provide a grant towards a newer cleaner vehicle or an alternative mode of transport (e.g. bus travel or purchasing a bike).

The second option is for a diesel car ban. This would involve banning all diesel cars from driving in a specific central area (small zone) from 7am to 3pm, seven days a week (this would not apply to taxis/private hire or emergency services). Other measures, including a scrappage scheme, could also be included.

The council is holding a number of drop-in sessions to give the public the opportunity to discuss the options in more detail.

The consultation runs for six weeks with the deadline for responses on Monday 12 August 2019.