Cost of clean air will benefit whole society

I was disappointed to read some of the responses to the clean air plans last week. A lot of people seem to have focussed very much on how it will impact them personally and not on the bigger picture of everyone’s health. One key point to note is that around 75% of vehicles will be compliant by 2021 anyway just by natural wastage. And now the council has laid out a very clear plan, I would imagine that figure will be rather higher, especially for businesses. Clean air zones are going to be common place in a few years - there will be no point running an old HGV or LGV if it is uneconomical to go in or near major UK cities. Bear in mind too, that Bathonians have some of the highest walking and cycling to work rates in the country. So isn’t it right we look to protect our citizens from the minority of the minority - the few vehicles which by 2021 which have unacceptable emissions? Especially our youngest citizens who have been shown to suffer the most damage to their lung functions from poor air quality. I believe a school has lobbied to be inside the zone for just that reason. I have a vehicle which will definitely not be exempt from the charge. I have two years to decide what to do - buy a post-2006 petrol vehicle or plan to pay the charge. It is hassle for me, and it may cost me something in financial terms. But isn’t the value of clean air for our whole society worth a lot more? Guy Hodgson Green Park