Final plans to reduce air pollution in Leeds revealed
They'll be submitted to the government for approval at the end of October.
Leeds City Council has set out its final plans to tackle dangerous levels of air pollution.
It includes the introduction of a Clean Air Charging Zone (CAZ).
Senior councillors will discuss the plans at the October meeting of the council’s executive board before being submitted to the government for approval.
Here's what we know about the plans:
• A Clean Air Charging Zone (CAZ) covering more than half of the city will be introduced from 6th January 2020 and monitored using a network of purpose-built cameras.
• It'll charge the worst polluting heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), buses, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles only. Light goods vehicles (LGVs) and private vehicles would not be charged.
• The council is asking the government for £27 million (based on current best estimates) from the Clean Air Fund to support local businesses to upgrade or retrofit affected vehicles through grants and interest-free loans.
• An additional £13 million (based on current best estimates) is being requested in funding from the government’s £255 million Implementation Fund to cover costs associated with the infrastructure and operation of the zone.
The proposals come after the government called on the city to outline plans to tackle air pollution in Leeds after identifying some parts of the city as being likely to fail legal air quality levels by 2020.
Evidence shows that spending time in areas with high levels of air pollution can worsen asthma symptoms, damage lung function and reduce life expectancy.
Cllr James Lewis, executive member with responsibility for sustainability and the environment, said:
“Like more than three quarters of residents, we believe that tackling air pollution should be a priority for Leeds.
“The plans we’re putting forward have been carefully developed following months of consultation with thousands of residents and local businesses to ensure they are the best plans for Leeds. They will improve air quality within the shortest possible time, tackling air pollution and protecting the health of everyone in the city.
“A key element of these proposals is the support we’re proposing to help affected local businesses transition to cleaner vehicles which avoid charges. We believe that it is important to help local businesses in order for the zone to most successfully reduce pollution.
“We will therefore be asking the government for around £27 million (based on our current best estimates) from the national Clean Air Fund to enable us to help businesses transition to cleaner vehicles which avoid charges.
“We look forward to continuing working closely with the government to ensure the successful and timely delivery of the Clean Air Charging Zone in Leeds.
More information on what Leeds City Council are already doing to tackle air pollution can be found on the official Clean Air Leeds website here.