Leeds City Council has announced that it is to indefinitely suspend plans to introduce a clean air zone (CAZ) following a significant reduction in air pollution levels during the coronavirus pandemic.
The CAZ, which was due to start in January 2021, was delayed in March due to the impact of Covid-19.
The council has attributed this latest suspension to growing numbers of local buses, taxis, private hire and businesses driving cleaner vehicles, and on the acceleration of highways schemes to reduce traffic and create more space for cyclists and pedestrians.
Councillor James Lewis, deputy leader and executive member with responsibility for air quality, said: “As a result of the coronavirus pandemic we have seen pollution levels fall significantly due to the quieter roads. Leeds residents now breathe air that is considerably cleaner and safer than just a few months ago.
“Coronavirus has led to big changes but, thanks to the city’s collective action, local air quality has actually been improving for some time.”
Leeds City Council said it is working with central government to review the long-term impact that the pandemic and other factors will have on the city’s air quality to understand whether pollution will again reach illegal levels.
If the city’s air pollution stays below legal limits then the council will no longer have the support of the UK government to introduce a CAZ. Financial support will continue to be paused until the review is complete.
Lewis added: “I recognise that at an already uncertain time, this latest update will be frustrating for many businesses. However, I would like to ask drivers and operators for their continued patience whilst we carry out this urgent review. I hope to be able to clarify the future of the Leeds CAZ in the autumn.
“Tackling the climate emergency and protecting the health of everyone in Leeds remain priorities for this council. Regardless of any future decision on the charging zone we will continue to deliver schemes that enable sustainable travel and the shift to zero emission vehicles.”
In the June 2020 issue of CiTTi Magazine, we asked if Covid-19 will render clean air zones obsolete. Find out what the experts had to say about the future of such schemes in a post-pandemic world here!
