Help us reach our campaign target: Become a member
The Bristol Cable

Bristol’s Clean Air Zone could be delayed again due to ‘national bus lanes issue’

The scheme, which is eagerly anticipated by some and disliked by others, was meant to launch last October.

Fight For Fair Air

The launch of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in Bristol will likely be delayed yet again due to a “national issue with bus lanes”, according to the city’s mayor.

The CAZ was initially due to come into force in October last year, but has faced repeated delays. It was expected to be launched this September, but this will now likely be pushed back again due to a change in regulations on bus lanes.

The aim of the CAZ is to reduce deadly levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution, which mainly comes from road traffic, to legally-compliant levels by 2023. Nitrogen dioxide pollution is thought to contribute to as many as 36,000 early deaths in the UK each year.

Mayor Marvin Rees said the city council has done “everything we can”, and blamed Westminster for the delays.

Asked if the launch is still on track for September, Mr Rees said: “We have done everything we can in Bristol. There has been a bit of an issue. A national change to bus lane regulations by the government has actually resulted in one of the suppliers of the implementation changing their work programme. So that’s a national issue that could result in some issues.

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

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

No specific date has been given for when the CAZ will launch, despite it eventually affecting tens of thousands of drivers in Bristol. Charges would be set at £9 a day for smaller vehicles and £100 for larger vehicles. Bristol City Council is legally required to introduce measures to cut harmful air pollution from vehicles driving in the city centre.

Exemptions had been put in place for some drivers until the end of 2022, but these will likely not continue through into 2023. However, as the launch keeps getting pushed back, it appears exempt drivers will only have a short time, if any, when they won’t have to pay the charge.

Comments

Post a comment

Mark if this comment is from the author of the article

By posting a comment you agree to our Comment Policy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related content

Bristol’s flood defences are being pushed to their limit. What is the city’s long-term plan, and will it be enough?

The council is searching for an extra £100 million to fund future flood defences to protect low-lying areas of the city. While residents call for greater action, the Cable looks across the North Sea to Rotterdam for inspiration.

Urban growers are quietly laying the ground for a food revolution. Can it become a reality?

Growing fruit and veg close to home is better for our health – and could help keep us fed when climate change disrupts supply chains. Could doing more of it provide a secure, affordable, and sustainable way of meeting Bristol's needs?

Campaigners ‘marry’ River Avon as battle against water sewage pollution continues

Since the mayor’s decision in November not to grant special status to a popular swimming spot, sewage has been discharged into the Avon for the equivalent of 35 days.

This week in Bristol: Demonstrators say council is “refusing to correct” conservation mistake

After accidentally giving a landowner permission to cut down an ancient Bristol hedgerow with protected status as a biodiversity haven, the council say there’s nothing they can do.

Why Bristol needs to build a sustainable food system – before disaster strikes

Bristol is recognised as a leading city in sustainable food. But with international food systems creaking and the impact of climate change on the horizon, even more needs to be done.

Revealed: Data tool shows extent of sewage spills at popular Bristol swimming spot – and it’s grim

As campaigners work tirelessly to document sewage spills by Wessex Water into the Avon, top bosses at the water company have earned big bonuses for meeting environmental targets.

Join our newsletter

Get the essential stories you won’t find anywhere else

Subscribe to the Cable newsletter to get our weekly round-up direct to your inbox every Saturday

Join our newsletter

Subscribe to the Cable newsletter

Get our latest stories & essential Bristol news
sent to your inbox every Saturday morning