Congestion charge ‘a last resort’

A congestion charge for Canterbury would be a “last resort” in the battle to improve air quality in the city, says council leader Simon Cook.

The Conservative politician spoke out as the government urged local authorities to do more to reduce air pollution.

Last month businessman Peter Styles, vice-chairman of the St Augustine’s Road Residents’ Association, told a city council meeting that a congestion charge was necessary to prevent Canterbury being “throttled by traffic”.

But Cllr Cook said says such a levy would not be workable on the city’s road network.

“A congestion charge for London works because you can avoid going into the congestion zone if you like,” he said.

“In Canterbury, however, you basically have to use the ring road as we don’t have any alternative routes. We could only do it if we had alternative routes

“Having said that, a congestion charge for Canterbury would be a last resort.”

Mr Styles suggested a raft of proposals to the council, which included charging to use the ring road, fewer city centre car parking spaces, controls on private parking spaces and restrictions on lorries making deliveries.

In May, the government published a consultation paper inviting local authorities to think about ways of reducing the amount of nitrogen dioxide emitted into the atmosphere.

It stated: “Local authorities are already responsible for improving air quality in their area, but will now be expected to develop new and creative solutions to reduce emissions as quickly as possible, while avoiding undue impact on the motorist.”

It then published its air quality plan last month, which includes a ban on the production of petrol and diesel-consuming cars by 2040.

A total of £255 million will also be made available for local authorities entertaining ideas such as cheaper public transport, improving cycle routes and rethinking roads systems.

Cllr Cook added: “At least it sounds like the government is really thinking about it – a renewed concentration on the issue.

“The key points will be in the detail, but the direction of travel definitely appears to be no petrol or diesel cars by 2040.”

Residents are becoming increasingly alarmed at pollution levels in the city.

Prof Stephen Peckham, from the University of Kent Centre for Health Services Studies, also suggested introducing “no idling zones” with fines for drivers for drivers who leave their engines running while in stationary traffic in an attempt to lower emissions.

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Cllr Simon Cook, leader of Canterbury City Council, has suggested a number of ways to improve air quality in the city, following a remit from the government