Clean air zones are a game-changer
This month the first clean air zone outside London was launched in Bath. Harriet in our policy team explains why these zones are urgently needed to protect our lung health and what you can expect to see where you live.
Air pollution affects everyone
Widespread evidence has shown that there is no safe level of pollution for any of us to breathe in. It can stunt the growth of children’s lungs, increase our risk of getting lung cancer and for people living with asthma, it can trigger a life-threatening attack.
This air pollution largely comes from vehicle emissions, especially in towns and cities where there are high levels of traffic and congestion.
Unfair air
It’s a huge health injustice – the communities that pollute the air the least are often impacted the most. Children, older people and those living with lung conditions are extremely susceptible to harm There is evidence showing that people living in the poorest areas and in more ethnically diverse communities are often exposed to the highest levels, despite driving the least.
Life-saving clean air zones
Evidence shows that clean air zones or low emission zones (zones that reduce access to the most polluting vehicles through charging or other restrictions) are one of the most effective ways to quickly tackle toxic air. That’s why we urgently want to see these zones implemented in polluted towns and cities across the UK. Sadly, over the last few years, many of these local plans have been subject to dither and delay, and we are yet to see any real benefits for people’s health.
To really tackle the problem these zones must also be accompanied by effective local plans for walking, cycling and cleaner public transport, as well as schemes to financially support those who need it to purchase cleaner vehicles. There need to be real affordable alternatives to driving polluting vehicles.
London’s version of a clean air zone has already started to deliver impressive results. The Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges all of the most polluting vehicles to enter. In just ten months of operation, levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution in central London have dropped by 44%. However, this zone still needs to be extended to all London boroughs given that pollution is at toxic levels across the city.
What is planned to tackle toxic air where you live?
Plans currently in place:
Bath – clean air zone launched on March 15th, a charge applies on the most polluting vehicles except private cars and motorcycles
Greater London – ULEZ is being expanded on 25th October to the north and south circular boundaries it will still exclude outer boroughs
Glasgow – phase one of the low emission zone is already in place but it only covers buses, phase two will cover all the most polluting vehicles and is expected in December 2022
Plans ready to go:
Birmingham – clean air zone launching on June 1st, a charge is planned for all the most polluting vehicles and it will become the largest charging clean air zone outside London
Oxford - zero emission zone pilot in city centre starting in August 2021, proposed for all vehicles but initially it’s in a small area of the city with plans for extension
Bristol – clean air zone launching in October 2021, charges planned for all the most polluting vehicles in the city centre area
Plans that are still being developed:
Leicester – proposing a small clean air zone to launch in Summer 2021 for the most polluting buses, coaches and taxis
Portsmouth – proposing a clean air zone in the city centre in Autumn 2021 for the most polluting HGVs, buses, coaches and taxis
Newcastle & Gateshead – a clean air zone for the most polluting buses, HGVs, vans and taxis is planned for 2021
Bradford – clean air zone planned for the city centre and outer ring road, charges planned for all of the most polluting vehicles except private cars from January 2022
Greater Manchester – clean air zone is proposed across all ten local authorities launching in Spring 2022 with a phased approach, charges for all of the most polluting vehicles except private cars
Liverpool – clean air plans are in development and formal consultation to commence later this year.
Edinburgh – low emission zone proposed for May 2022
Dundee - low emission zone proposed for May 2022
Aberdeen - low emission zone proposed for May 2022
Plans on hold:
Sheffield – clean air zone plans have been put on hold due to Covid-19, but could still happen in 2022
Leeds – clean air zone plans have been put on hold due to Covid-19
What can you do?
Many areas still haven’t published their clean air plans and many of the plans above are subject to change or delay.
This is not good enough. Millions of people are being affected now – we should all be able to breathe clean air wherever we are. We need politicians to urgently put these solutions in place and we need your help to make it happen.
Help us clean up the air today. Sign our petition calling for new, life-saving clean air plans to safeguard people living with asthma.
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