City not planning to bring in clean-air charge

POLLUTING DIESEL buses could be banned from York city centre, but the city will not be following Leeds by introducing a charge.

City council bosses are considering creating a Clean Air Zone in the centre of York, but senior councillor Andrew Waller has confirmed they don’t plan to follow Leeds City Council’s lead by charging heavily polluting vehicles to enter the city centre.

Instead, the council wants to insist that buses passing most frequently through the city centre have the highest emission standards.

Coun Waller said: “Targeting buses which most frequently pass through the city centre would have the greatest impact on reducing harmful pollutants by forcing these to be electric or low-emission vehicles.

“However, we understand the vital role that the city’s local bus services play in bringing people into York to work, shop or visit so it’s important that the public give their views on these proposed changes through this survey.”

Council statistics say local bus services make up three per cent of the traffic in York but cause 27 per cent of the main pollutants in the city.

The city council has launched a public consultation on its plans for a Clean Air Zone in the city centre, and is asking people to fill in a survey about their views on traffic pollution and health.

Unlike other parts of the country, including Leeds, where a Clean Air Zone is being imposed by law, the council in York is proactively looking to introduce the new zone.

A spokesman said it would help to reduce the amount of traffic pollutants in the city centre, which are mainly caused by diesel vehicles.

The public survey went live on Clean Air Day on Thursday at www.york.gov.uk/consultations. Paper copies are also available at the council’s West Offices HQ.