Excluding Brunel Way, the Portway and the Cumberland Basin from Bristol's Clean Air Zone would not have been effective in changing enough vehicles and driving habits as a result of the charges. That was the stark message from council chiefs ahead of the launch of the CAZ on Monday (November 28).
They spoke in response to growing controversy about the decision to create a zone that includes the very western edge of Bristol. Ever since the finalised details of the extent of the Clean Air Zone were announced, the strongest reaction has been the decision to make drivers of non-compliant vehicles pay the charges even if they are travelling over the Cumberland Basin between Ashton Gate and the Portway, and not turning towards the city centre on either side of the river and Floating Harbour.
The Clean Air Zone entrances are now on the A4 Portway and Bridge Valley Road on the approach to Hotwells and the Cumberland Basin, and on the northbound A370 Brunel Way and the slip roads heading towards the bridge at the Winterstoke Road interchange. And that has sparked massive debate.
