Bristol City Council is consulting on the introduction of a clean air zone (CAZ) to the city.

Two options have been put forward that aim to lower pollution in the shortest possible time. They also aim to minimise any impact for people on lower incomes. The consultation runs for six weeks with the deadline for responses on Monday 12 August 2019.

The proposed options are one element of the wider environmental and clean air plans for Bristol, announced by the Mayor of Bristol on Clean Air Day, which are designed to protect everyone from toxic fumes and ensure the city is playing its part in tackling global climate change.

The two options are:

Option 1: Clean Air Zone (private cars not charged)

• A zone where more 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.

Option 1 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).

Option 2: Diesel car ban

• 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.

More detailed information can be found in the council’s impact assessment form (from page 17 onwards)

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

Hope Chapel

Hope Chapel Hill, Hotwells, BS8 4ND

Monday 22 July, 2.30pm-7.30pm

Marksbury Road Library

Marksbury Road, Bedminster, BS3 5LG

Wednesday 24 July, 2.30pm-7.30pm

Malcolm X Community Centre

141 City Road, St Pauls, BS2 8YH

Tuesday 30 July, 2.30pm-7.30pm

City Hall (Vestibule)

Just off Park Street towards main entrance

Tuesday 6 August, 2.30pm-6.30pm