Bradford Clean Air Zone: start date pushed back to September

It will come into force on September 26 this year, it was confirmed this evening (Wednesday).

Bradford Council has been directed by Government to implement a CAZ to achieve compliance with legal limits for air quality. 

However, it has asked the Government to "provide assurance that any future concessions which may be negotiated for other CAZ cities will also be provided to Bradford businesses and residents".

The Council said in a statement: "While the Council has put forward alternatives to a CAZ, the Government has instructed the Council that a charging CAZ is the only way that the district can comply with the direction in the shortest possible timeframe.

"The Government has directed local authorities to implement CAZ following legal action by Client Earth.

"Legal limits for air quality should have been achieved in 2010. The latest monitoring data for Bradford shows that the legal limit for nitrogen dioxide is being breached at several locations across the district."

Bradford Council said the launch date will allow IT systems to be fully tested and give businesses more time to use the CAZ funding available and upgrade their vehicles prior to the launch.

"It also provides Bradford district businesses and households more time to apply for local exemptions," said the Council. 

"The Council has secured the highest level of funding for a CAZ of this type and is providing the most extensive exemptions programme of any CAZ in the UK.

The latest monitoring data for Bradford shows that the legal limit for nitrogen dioxide is being breached at several locations across the district, Bradford Council said

"The Bradford CAZ will be a class C + Clean Air Zone which means that commercial vehicles entering the CAZ will face a daily charge if they don’t meet the required emission standards.

"Passenger cars and motorbikes will not be charged for entering the Bradford CAZ but HGVs, coaches, buses, LGV, minibuses, hackney carriage and private hire vehicles are liable for the charge if they are not compliant with the CAZ vehicle standard.

"The Bradford CAZ will cover the area inside, and including, the Bradford outer ring road (A6177). It will also extend out along the Aire Valley corridor, (Manningham Lane/Bradford Road and Canal Road area) to include Shipley and Saltaire. 

The Clean Air Zone will now start in September

"Any revenue from the introduction of the CAZ will be reinvested in further programmes in the district to reduce harmful emissions.

"This will include support for zero-emission buses, further help for residents and businesses to upgrade their vehicles, the development of hydrogen in the district and support for schools to reduce emissions in their areas."

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places said: “Whilst we are now in a position to be able to announce the launch of the Bradford Clean Air Zone on September 26, 2022, we have asked Government to provide assurance that any future concessions which may be negotiated for other CAZ cities will also be provided to Bradford businesses and residents. 

"Times are tough and we are insisting Government give Bradford residents and businesses the best deal of all.”

Andrew Whittles, Air Quality Director, Bradford Council said: “1 in 5 of our children have a breathing problem.

"The Government’s framework of air quality monitoring, evaluation and modelling studies has identified a charging Clean Air Zone as the most effective method of reducing nitrogen dioxide and improving air quality in our district, as quickly as possible.  And that is what Bradford has been directed to do.

“Road transport emissions are a significant source of poor air quality and health in Bradford and research shows that the largest health benefits of the Clean Air Zone will be felt by the most disadvantaged communities in the city.

“Every ward in Bradford will benefit from cleaner air. The number of non-compliant vans, lorries, taxis and buses will fall. As a result, air quality will improve across the district, both inside and outside the Clean Air Zone boundary.”

To prepare for the launch anyone who feels they may be affected by the CAZ should check their vehicles on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones.This will let them know if their vehicle will be charged for driving in any of the UK Clean Air Zones, including Bradford.

• Passenger cars and motorbikes will not be charged for entering the Bradford Clean Air Zone. It doesn’t matter if you live outside the Bradford District or if you use your vehicle for work purposes. 
• Bradford householders can apply for an exemption if you own a non-compliant commercial type vehicle for private use (e.g. vans, campers, motorhomes and horseboxes), you will not have to pay.
• Bradford businesses, are eligible for up to three vehicles being exempt so most businesses, as long as they apply, won’t have to pay. This includes self–employed and sole traders. They are also eligible for grants to help them upgrade.