Bradford is the latest city in the UK to implement a Clean Air Zone (CAZ), landing drivers of polluting vehicles with charges…
Bradford Gets a Clean Air Zone
The city of Bradford now has its own Class C Clean Air Zone. The Zone will introduce charges for vans, minibuses, coaches and HGVs that don’t comply with its emission standards. Crucially, however, no charges will be introduced for typical passenger cars or for motorbikes. Local authorities decided to introduce the Zone after Bradford was identified as exceeding safe air pollution levels. Especially in inner-city areas.
It’s hoped that the Zone will reduce the CO2 produced in the city by 147,000 tonnes. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is also expected to fall by 35%. Bradford Council has been working with local businesses, helping them prepare for the new rules. In particular, it’s helped them to acquire cleaner vehicles, assisted by £30 million set aside by Westminster.
Whilst 140,000 vehicles are expected to drive through the CAZ daily, just 4% will be non-compliant and therefore face charges.
Tackling Air Pollution
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council, commented on the initiative. She said, “Bradford is acting on a Government directive to implement a charging Clean Air Zone. We know that air pollution levels are too high and have damaging impacts on the health of too many of our residents. There’s no escaping that fact”.
She continued, “after protracted negotiations with Government, the CAZ has been designed very carefully to exempt private cars, motorbikes, and local businesses. While having an immediate and material impact on the air we all breathe. What we have to stop is polluting commercial vehicles from outside the district using Bradford as a de facto motorway, coming through the district but not stopping to do business here. The Clean Air Zone will substantially reduce air pollution in Bradford and improve the health of residents, their families and our communities”.
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