It is estimated that air pollution is responsible for babies with low birthweight, 200 early deaths and 670 childood asthma cases in Bradford every year. The Council has been instructed by government to bring levels of Nitrogen Dioxide within legal limits
within the shortest possible time. As part of its Clean Air Plan, the Council is proposing a Clean Air Zone in Bradford City Centre within the Outer Ring Road, Shipley and Saltaire which will require non compliant HGVs, buses, coaches, minibuses, taxis, LGVs
and vans to pay a daily charge. Grants, exemptions and other incentives will be available to support those businesses which are affected. Private cars are not included in the Clean Air Zone although there will be campaigns to encourage drivers to switch off
engines whilst idling or swap to alternative modes of travel.
There are a number of ways in which schools may be affected:
- The proposals are anticipated to improve air quality throughout the district
- Anti-idling campaign materials will be offered to schools in the district
- External companies delivering food, school resources and construction materials may be subject to charges
- It is proposed that locally based coaches, buses and minibuses making education-related trips will be offered grants to upgrade or exemptions, but travel companies based outside the district MAY have to pay the charge, depending on their status.
- All taxis will be required to meet Clean Air standards issued by the council, including those enagaged in SEN transport
Please alert your suppliers to the consultation and give us your own views about how the Clean Air Zone will affect your staff and pupils before the end of March.
www.bradford.gov.uk/consultations