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Bristol’s clean air zone will save lives and boost economy, says study
The introduction of a clean air zone (CAZ) to tackle Bristol’s air pollution will save lives and inject millions into the economy, suggests a new study.
The measures that are due to be implemented in October this year continue to divide opinion, with some objecting to plans to charge non-compliant vehicles to enter a zone around the city centre and others arguing they fail to go far enough.
New research indicates the CAZ will deliver “significant health and economic benefits” by reducing dangerous levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) by an estimated 18 per cent in key areas.
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CBI Economics, which was commissioned by the Clean Air Fund to carry out the study, found the new measures could prevent at least 20 deaths a year, and 40 days spent in hospital due solely to NO2 exposure.
Researchers also state the CAZ will inject an additional £1m each year into the city’s economy by preventing deaths and illness from NO2 exposure.
Although the study suggests the gains pale in comparison to those projected for Manchester and London, where they are planning much wider clean air schemes.
Cumberland Road will be closed to inbound general traffic as part of the plans – photo by Martin Booth
Ben Rhodes, CBI South West director, said: “Cleaner air within our major cities is an aspiration not only central to improving public health, but also a business-critical issue for firms in Bristol.
“Congested city streets are all too common a sight, slowing business operations and ultimately putting people’s health at risk. The loss of working hours in Bristol alone runs into the hundreds of thousands.
“Building back better must have a green thread running through the very middle of it. That means working together towards reaching our net-zero targets and making the most of the economic benefits from lowering air pollution in urban areas.”
Bristol is one of several cities having to implement a CAZ in order to hit legally binding targets for reducing NO2.
The full details of the proposals for Bristol were revealed in February following numerous delays. They are set to include a small city centre charging zone, applicable to non-compliant private vehicles, which will be charged £9 per day, as well as non-compliant buses, coaches, taxis and LGVs. The cost for larger vehicles is £100 per day.
Cumberland Road will be closed to inbound general traffic as part of the plans and a series of mitigation measures have been set out in a bid to support people through the transition and ensure the “burden doesn’t fall on the most vulnerable”.
Bedminster Parade is one of the air pollution ‘hotspots’ in the city – photo by Martin Booth
Some of the city’s air pollution hotspots include Colston Avenue, Anchor Road, York Road, Bedminster Parade, Jamaica Street, Ashley Road, Berkeley Road and Cromwell Road, according to council data.
Researchers say as air pollution has been shown to affect the poorest and most vulnerable in society the most, tackling it will also help reduce inequality.
Commenting on the research, Jane Burston, the executive director at the Clean Air Fund, said: “For the first time, these numbers show how the new clean air zone will be good for the health of Bristol’s residents and its local economy. By targeting the most polluted and neediest areas, the measures will make the city cleaner, greener and better off across the board.”
The research follows a nationwide report from the same organisations in September 2020, which found that the UK economy could benefit to the tune of £1.6 billion each year if it were to achieve the guidelines set by the WHO for ‘safe’ air quality.
Main photo by Martin Booth
Read more: Details of Bristol’s clean air zone finally confirmed
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