Ban on diesels
What do you think of the decision to ban all private diesel vehicles from entering a controlled zone in Bristol city centre from March 2021?
Even if you’ve just changed up from an older diesel to the latest Euro 6 model, these too are going to be banned.
The proposed diesel ban will operate between 7am to 3pm every day of the week. Not familiar with the area, take a wrong turning in your diesel-powered motor into the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and you will be automatically captured on camera. A Penalty Charge Notice will then arrive on your doormat.
While I understand that diesel engines produce more nitrogen dioxide (NO2) than petrol units – and most diesel exhausts do stink when sat idling, I can see this ban causing a bit of confusion when it goes live. The strange thing is, when the scheme comes into force, I can drive my 2001 Rover 75 V6 petrol engine into the zone without worrying about being fined – all petrol cars aren’t affected by the CAZ.
Non-compliant diesel taxis/private hire vehicles and Light Goods Vehicles (those older than Euro 6 as far as I can tell) will be charged £9 per day to enter CAZ, while non-compliant buses and HGVS would have to pay £100 a day!
Furthermore, a wider CAZ outside the main centre zone will charge commercial vehicles if they are non-compliant.
I’m not sure how banning private diesel vehicles will affect the daily lives of those getting to work, those thinking of shopping in the town or those visiting or attending appointments at the local hospital. Debates are on-going and we will see which route it takes...