Will Bath’s Clean Air Zone bring more traffic to Bradford?

Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) published plans for a Clean Air Zone on October 16th, involving a charge on higher emission vehicles in Bath city centre. However, the plan could bring traffic from the A46 to the A36 through Bradford instead. "I fully support tackling the issue of pollution in city centres," says Cllr Sarah Gibson, "but it mustn't simply shift the problem elsewhere."

At a meeting with BANES, Lib Dem Cllr Gibson, joined by the Wiltshire Cabinet member for Highways, the Head of Highways and the Town Council leader, asked for assurances the plan won't harm Bradford on Avon. "BANES were unconvincing in arguing that the plan won't adversely affect Bradford," Sarah adds. "The plan is now out for consultation. I expect Wiltshire Council to be raising concerns, and residents may wish to do so too." See www.bathnes.gov.uk/bath-breathes-2021-overview.