Bristol residents react to the Clean Air Zone

The new Clean Air Zone is due to come into effect on Monday, November 28 – a week today. However many residents have already taken to social media to express their concerns about the charges.

The timing of the Clean Air Zone comes at a difficult time for Bristol’s residents. First Bus announced last week that they would be cancelling almost 1,500 bus journeys a week in the Bristol region due to a shortage of drivers.

The cuts will affect 19 routes across Bristol immediately and are expected to last until at least 2 April.

The announcement makes the need for clarity from Bristol City Council even more pressing as people struggle to navigate costs and charge conditions.

In light of this, Bristol24/7 asked how people felt about the Clean Air Zone on Twitter.

So how are residents reacting to the new charges?

The council has begun issuing a number of “dummy” fines to those entering into Clean Air Zones in non-compliant vehicles that have not been registered. Many residents have expressed their confusion at receiving letters in the post notifying them of the fine.

Reactions to the initial “dummy” fines have been varied. While many agree that the Clean Air Zone is a necessary step to improving Bristol’s air, issues lie with factors such as the areas chosen, who gets exemptions, costs, and the council’s lack of clarity on these issues.

A consistent issue is the lack of clarity around paying the charge. As it stands, the council will not notify you when you enter the zone. The responsibility for this lies with the driver.

Bristol’s Clean Air Zone stretches from the Portway to the Three Lamps Junction – map: Bristol City Council

Gareth Jones lives in Bedminster, and has been trying to work out routes to avoid the zone. However he is concerned that if he enters the zone by accident, he will be fined £120, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

The council is offering drivers six days after they enter the zone to pay the £9 charge.

This is different to the Clean Air Zone charges in London, where drivers are automatically notified when they have entered the zone.

Another concern is exemption for charities. Currently it is unclear whether or not charities are exempt but the council’s website would appear to suggest that they are not.

The Women’s Work Lab (@womensworklab) replied: “We’re hearing from the unemployed Mums we support back into work that they are worried about accepting potential jobs in the CAZ as they won’t be able to afford it. Unreliable and expensive public transport means that many rely on cars…”

Another user replied: “Did you know that charities are not exempt? Bristol Suicide Prevention could be hugely impacted by this if they do not have the funds to pay for CAZ, it could impact their ability to respond to call outs in the city centre.”

Earlier this year, Joanna Bright, who works for Feed the Homeless in Bristol, voiced her concerns to Bristol24/7 about the new clean air zone charges. Her team’s van, which delivers vital food and supplies to homeless people in Bristol, does not qualify for an exemption.

The exemptions terms and conditions page states: “Operators of community transport vehicles may apply for an exemption. The vehicle must be a minibus, bus or a coach.”

Bristol24/7 has asked the council to clarify what “community transport vehicles” means, and what support they are offering charities with vans or diesel vehicles. Bristol24/7 has not received a response at the time of this article’s publication.

Issues also lie with the zones that have been included in the charge. Many are asking why Clifton has been left out, while others are concerned that traffic on the Suspension Bridge will be increased as people turn to other routes to avoid the charge.

One user replied: “Feels like an ill thought out scheme that is specifically designed to make money to plug funding gaps within the City Council finances rather than a scheme to benefit the environment. The zones seemed to have been set up to maximise income.

“It splits the city & will see a great amount of extra traffic on the Suspension Bridge. Which will have a detrimental effect to this great city landmark. Plus cause huge congestion, reduce productivity and turn Clifton into a rat run.”

Another Twitter user simply wrote: “The omission of Clifton is the elephant in the room. It also cuts south Bristol off from the city.”

Others were quick to point out that the Clean Air Zone will only be effective if there are efficient alternatives. One tweeted: “It wouldn’t be so bad if public transport was more reliable, but it isn’t. Not everyone can walk or cycle.”

Another wrote: “We need much better walking, segregated cycling routes & better public transport.”

One user called the CAZ “a tax on the poor.”

“Tax on the poor. The public transport system needs to be better. Not averse to it but it hasn’t been thought through. 9 quid a day for those who can’t afford a newer car. Why not just charge everyone a quid? More revenue and fairer.”

The Clean Air Zone is due to come into effect on Monday, November 28. If you would like to share your opinion on the new charges, contact editorial@bristol247.com.

Main photo: Ellie Pipe

Read next:

• What you need to know about Bristol’s Clean Air Zone charges
• ‘Caged by the Clean Air Zone’
• Temporary exemption period for Clean Air Zone extended
• Axed buses branded ‘the collapse of Bristol’s public transport system’
• ‘When I take the First Bus gamble, I tend to lose’

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