Bristol mayor Marvin Rees has confirmed that the city’s clean air zone (CAZ) will start operating on Monday 28 November 2022.
Rees said: “This is a major milestone on our journey to clean air. We have now agreed a launch date for the zone with government ministers and officials at the Joint Air Quality Unit.
“On Monday 28 November Bristol will introduce one of the most far-reaching zones in the UK. Poor air quality has a major impact on the health of everyone in the city and the CAZ will help us tackle this issue and meet government targets for cleaner air in 2023.
“Most drivers on Bristol roads won’t need to pay the daily charge but if you do then you may be eligible for financial support to upgrade your vehicle.”
Bristol City Council has £42m of funding to help those that need to replace vehicles to meet the zone’s emission standards.
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Rees added: “With five months until the zone starts, there’s still time to get help from the council if you need to replace your vehicle.
“We’ve received over 3,800 applications for financial support. Our advisors have processed most of the applications from our priority groups.
“Our finance partners will be contacting eligible applicants from August to guide them through the next stage of the process by putting them in touch with approved dealerships.”
Despite two-thirds of vehicles reportedly already able to travel in the zone free of charge, an exemption is available until July 2023 for those that are successful in applying for financial support and have yet to receive their new vehicle.
In addition, Bristol City Council has asked the UK government to extend other temporary exemptions from the charge, which will be available to residents in the zone; people working within the zone and earning less than £27,000 a year; Blue Badge holders; patients attending hospitals in the zone
Applications for these temporary exemptions will open in September.
During negotiations with government, the council also secured £5.9m of support for people to switch to active travel, including bike and e-bike trials, cycle training, Voi e-scooter credit, bus tickets, and planning sessions with travel experts to help people explore their options for their regular journeys.
