Concerns raised over Bath Clean Air Zone extension
Council Leader warns of more lorries diverting through towns in Wiltshire
A new fee for HGVs going through Bath will drive more lorries through Wiltshire towns according to the county’s council leader.
The Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) Council have proposed to extend Bath’s Clean Air Zone by introducing a charge for Euro VI diesel HGVs exceeding 12 tonnes.
Wiltshire Council Leader Richard Clewer said he was ‘extremely disappointed’ as he said it would push Bath’s lorry problem onto Wiltshire towns like Westbury, Corsham and Bradford on Avon.
A Clean Air Zone charge on vehicles in Bath was planned in a bid to improve the city’s air quality in January two years ago, it was introduced last year.
Cllr Clewer said: “We’re extremely disappointed that BANES is looking to change its Bath Clean Air Zone (CAZ) to introduce a charge for Euro VI diesel HGVs exceeding 12 tonnes.
“These are the cleanest HGVs currently on the market, so this feels less of a clean air initiative and more of a quest to restrict all HGVs in the city.”
He added: “This proposal, along with the now extended temporary 18-tonne weight restriction on Cleveland Bridge, is pushing this traffic issue on to Wiltshire roads and through towns such as Bradford on Avon, Corsham and Westbury, and this is something that we are not prepared to accept.
“We recognise that there are regional issues with traffic congestion, air quality and HGV usage, but these will not be solved by simply pushing the problem from Bath into the towns of West Wiltshire.
“The long-term solution needs to be found by working with neighbouring authorities, National Highways, the Department for Transport and Defra, not by BANES acting unilaterally and with little regard for the people of Wiltshire.
“We are strongly opposed to both the continued weight restriction on Cleveland Bridge and the proposed CAZ changes and will be looking at all options to formally resist them and to protect West Wiltshire’s towns and villages.
“We remain open to constructive discussions with BANES and other stakeholders to help resolve this issue in the long-term, and to find a resolution that works for all of our communities.”
BANES previously voted to introduce a £9 daily fee for high-emission commercial vans and £100 for HGV and buses.
The council has been concerned since its introduction that drivers will avoid paying the charge, and reroute through Wiltshire, aggravating problems with congestion and air quality.
BANES were approached for comment.