Is Bristol prepared for the clean air zone?

The date has finally been set, signs are going up around Bristol but how much do people know about the forthcoming clean air zone (CAZ)?

From November 28, non-compliant vehicles will be charged to enter an area that covers the city centre, a portion of Old Market and just south of the river.

The charge for older, more polluting private vehicles is £9 per day and drivers can check their motors via a national online checker.

The eventual start of the CAZ comes in the wake of a series of delays. It was in 2017 that Bristol, along with other UK cities, was ordered by the government to implement measures to clean up its polluted air.

With the measures to tackle air pollution now just three months away, Bristol24/7 spoke to people in the city centre to find out how much they know about the CAZ.

Why does Bristol need a CAZ?
Air pollution is one of the largest environmental risks across the UK.

Poor air quality is responsible for between 28,000 and 36,000 premature deaths each year nationally. This not only shows the need for immediate action but also suggests a financial impact, putting a strain on the NHS and the economy.

On a local level, according to a 2017 report, air pollution – and especially exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter – contributes to 300 premature deaths a year in the city.

After some delays, Bristol will join cities such as Birmingham and Bath in implementing an operative CAZ as one of the tools to meet carbon emissions and air quality targets.

“The zone is intended to encourage drivers and businesses to either update their vehicles, change their route, change their mode, or not to make the trip,” states Clean Air For Bristol.

The clean air zone will cover the city centre, a portion of Old Market and just south of the river – source: Bristol City Council

What exactly is a CAZ?
The Home Office states clean air zones are aimed to improve air quality while reducing pollution like nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.

There are four types of CAZ: From A to D, the latter has the most restrictive measures since it includes a wider variety of vehicles.

Some of the cities that have already set measures in place include Bath, Birmingham and Portsmouth.

Despite posters around the city, many people still don’t know much about the impending lean air zone – photo: Ellie Pipe

What do people think of the impending CAZ?
Many are still unsure what the CAZ is about or whether it would significantly contribute to the overall wellbeing of the city.

“I haven’t heard really much about it,” said Barnie, who lives in St Paul’s and commutes to the city centre every day.

He added: “It makes sense to charge people for the impact they’re having on the environment, but there needs to be more awareness because we haven’t heard much about it.”

With less than four months left, many residents and business owners still have questions about how the CAZ will affect them.

Bristol24/7 will be releasing a series of articles about the CAZ, touching upon its impacts and how it will contribute to a more sustainable city.

We would also welcome any feedback or questions that you might have about the topic.

This piece of independent journalism is supported by Natwest and the Bristol24/7 public and business membership

Main photo: Ellie Pipe

Video: Valentina Hernández Gómez

Read more: ‘Heatwaves aren’t ‘just summer” – experts call for action