Funding bid for transport

Politicians in Bath have asked the government for funding for seven transport initiatives.

Bath and North East Somerset’s cabinet voted unanimously for the recommended proposal of a ‘Class C’ clean air zone.

The council previously proposed to charge all high-emission vehicles but now car drivers will not face a £9 per day fee.

In addition to the zone, the eight members of the cabinet have asked central government for funding for seven transport initiatives:

■■ Grants of £2,000 to help people with pre-euro 4 cars to upgrade;

■■ Extending the opening hours at the park and ride and ensuring secure overnight parking;

■■ More support for residents’ parking zones;

■■ New electric vehicle charging points - including on street charging;

■■ Improving walking and cycling routes and facilities;

■■ Enforcing anti-idling and weight restrictions - and ensuring all buses are compliant;

■■ Safer walking routes to school.

The Conservatives said the grants “will help to take some of the most polluting cars off the road”.

Cllr Tim Warren, B&NES Council leader, said: “I am thankful to the Government ministers we have worked with to achieve this balanced solution.

“Having a close working relationship with those in Government has given us the chance to negotiate a policy which is in the best interest of our residents.”

Cllr Mark Shelford, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “We recognise that charging lorries, vans and taxis could cause difficulties for small businesses and traders so we have done all we can to support them and ensure their vehicle can be easily transitioned into compliance through a number of interest-free loans and concessions.”

Lib Dem group leader Dine Romero said exempting cars from the charges was a missed opportunity to change residents’ behaviour, tackle congestion and help address climate change.