Some Bristolians are vowing to boycott the city centre following the announcement of an official start date for the city's Clean Air Zone. Others have been left with more questions around the rules of these new restrictions - including why some car park entrances have been included in the zone and what it means for residents who already live in the area.
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees made the announcement on Wednesday (July 6) that the city's Clean Air Zone, which will charge drivers with certain vehicles a minimum of £9 for driving in or near the city centre, will begin on November 28 this year. He also said that three quarters of vehicles driven around the city centre will not be affected, with only one in three drivers expected to have to pay due to the criteria of vehicles excluded from the zone.
In an article by Bristol Live this week, we reported that signs and cameras were already being put up around the city on the edge of the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) as a major public awareness campaign started, with billboard posters up to warn people they could be charged. The article has received almost 80 comments from readers, sharing their concerns, questions and confusion over the new rule changes.
Read more: Western Harbour set for no high-rise blocks as Bristol City Council launches next phase
Some were desperate for an explanation over the boundary limits of the zone - and why certain car park entrances had been included. One commenter wrote: "No one has yet explained why the zone starts on the Portway before Cumberland basin and why the entrance to Trenchard Street carpark is in the zone.
"As far as I can see the only reason is to generate money. Driving from the Portway to the A370 goes nowhere near the city center. The zone is deliberately extended by a few yards to cover the carpark entrance."
While another asked: "Is it true that it also covers the entrance to Cabot Circus car park?" View are map below to see the boundary.
Another argument readers made surrounded the topic of what residents who already live in the CAZ would benefit from - one reader said they 'couldn't help' already living in the area and dubbed the idea 'unfair'. Saetana commented: "People cannot help the fact that they live within the zone - it did not exist when they moved there.
"I can see a case for new residents having to pay once the zone starts as they will be aware when they move that they will be living in a CAZ. I do not however believe that existing residents of the CAZ area should have to pay - its just not fair."
A second said: "I live literally on the last street of the zone - my street is the border beyond which the zone ends. So I won't get any of the health benefits, just the hassle."
Many readers said they wouldn't be venturing into the city centre once the CAZ came into place, including one user who said: "Personally I’ll be joining the M32 at the bottom just outside the zone and driving to the Mall or have everything I need delivered. Absolutely no reason to go into the city anymore, I'm out, my cars are exempt but I'm going to help and close the city shops and restaurants by not using them."
Others added: "Just in time to kill off Christmas shopping in town for the few retailers left... after all there's no buses" and "great just as the big Christmas retail month really fires up. The Mall at Cribbs must be laughing their heads off - Bristol city centre will become a ghost town!"
A third wrote: "Great, hit the poorest hardest who only want to travel into Bristol to do some shopping and spend their well earned money. If it was all about clean air, then Bristol Council wouldn't let the polluters pay them to pollute the air."
They questioned the dates of the modelling and described it as "disgraceful and daylight robbery". A fourth simply said: "Instead of changing the car, I will change where I go and not bother with Bristol. Bye!"
Supporters say 'most people not affected'
However, there were some who agreed that the CAZ was a good decision, with a few noting it 'won't affect most people anyway'. One commenter argued: "Three quarters of all cars are already free, of the other quarter they will either be exempt or not be cars that go into the city centre. It's what happens everywhere!
"It's all fuss about very little. Most people won't be affected - it's the same as Birmingham and London. Hardly anyone will ever pay."
In a statement earlier this week, Mayor Marvin Rees said: “We’re making sure that the Clean Air Zone won’t have a detrimental impact on people on low incomes or businesses. With five months until the zone starts, there’s still time to get help from the council if you need to replace your vehicle.
"This is a major milestone on our journey to clean air...Poor air quality has a major impact on the health of everyone in the city and the Clean Air Zone will help us tackle this issue and meet government targets for cleaner air in 2023.
“Most drivers on Bristol roads won’t need to pay the daily charge but if you do then you may be eligible for financial support to upgrade your vehicle." During negotiations with government, the council says it also secured £5.9 million of support for people to switch to active travel including bike and e-bike trials, cycle training, VOI e-Scooter credit, bus tickets, and planning sessions with travel experts to help people explore all their options for their regular journeys.
Want our best stories with fewer ads and alerts when the biggest news stories drop? Download our app on iPhone or Android
Read next:
The Galleries to be demolished and replaced in huge new city centre for Bristol project
Bristol Airport responds to complaints about 'two hour' baggage wait
Bristol Airport passengers praise 'no queues' this morning after delays overnight
Bristol Airport explains why parking costs change as passenger quoted £105 for 24 hours
