Applications for temporary exemptions for the Clean Air Zone have now open, the city's mayor has announced. Groups that can apply for a temporary exemption include those living within the area and those who work within the zone and earn less than £26,000 a year.
The new scheme will be launching on November 28 - over a year late. Bristol City Council is legally required to introduce measures to cut harmful air pollution from vehicles driving in the city centre.
It was confirmed earlier this month that temporary exemptions for the scheme have been extended to the end of March next year. The exemptions were originally due to finish at the end of 2022 - which would have meant they were only in place for just over a month.
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The temporary exemptions will be in place for certain eligible groups such as residents in the zone, people working within the zone and earning less than £26,000 a year as well as Blue Badge holders. Patients and visitors attending hospitals in the zone would also be covered by the exemptions.
Those who meet one of the exemption criteria can apply for additional time to bring their car or van up to an emissions standard which will avoid the new fees.
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees published a blog post on Wednesday announcing the temporary measures, which will end in March 2023. “This is an important step on our journey to cleaner air and creating a healthier future for everyone in Bristol,” he wrote.
“We need to reduce harmful pollution in the city and reach the legal limits set by government in the shortest time possible, but we also want to give those who need it a bit more time to prepare. That could mean upgrading or changing a vehicle or trying out different and more sustainable ways to travel instead.”
Bristol City Council estimates that 71 percent of vehicles in the city are already compliant with the new rules, which aim to reduce the level carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and hydrocarbons experienced in the city centre. To comply, petrol cars must meet the Euro 4 emissions standard, while diesel cars and heavier vehicles must meet the Euro 6 standard.
Most vehicles built after 2006 will already be compliant – an online checker service allows drivers to enter their number plate and confirm whether or not their vehicle will be chargeable.
Mr Rees added: “These exemptions are being offered on a temporary basis, to give people a bit more time to prepare for the Clean Air Zone. I urge people to check the individual exemption pages on our website for information on when they end.
“If you run a business that operates more than one vehicle and are planning ahead to the launch of the Clean Air Zone, you might also want to check out the Business Accounts Feature which is now open. This allows you to set up a Bristol-specific Direct Debit to help you manage payment for vehicles entering and exiting the Zone.”
Bristol City Council has also secured £5.9 million to invest in sustainable travel solutions including bicycle and e-bike trials, adult cycle training, Voi scooter rental credits, bus tickets, train vouchers, car club credits and free travel planning sessions.
The local authority has already distributed two thousand of these free travel offers to residents, whose experiences are being recorded at the Clean Air For Bristol blog. Mr Rees said: “It’s really great to see people already embracing new ways of travelling around our beautiful city and helping us to create a healthier city with cleaner air for all.
“I know that the launch date is fast approaching, but I also want everyone to know that there’s still plenty of time to prepare and seek out extra support if you need it.”
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