£4m boost for city’s Clean Air Zone proposals

The Government has released an initial £4m to Bradford Council to help fund its work on improving air quality in the district.

Residents and businesses in Bradford are being encouraged to give their views on the proposed Clean Air Zone in Bradford with the consultation which starts today – 18 February – and runs until 26 March.

The Clean Air Zone aims to improve air quality and the health of people in the district – particularly in the city centre, Outer Ring Road, Shipley and Saltaire where pollution is highest.

It is linked to around 200 preventable deaths each year and causes ill-health in many other residents in the district – particularly those with cardio-vascular and respiratory conditions.

The release of funding will help create the systems to deliver financial support for locally affected businesses and organisations to help them upgrade their vehicles. The council’s plan also includes proposals for some exemptions for local businesses.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for healthy people and places, said: “We have worked hard to put forward a strong business case to Government on why we need to tackle air pollution in the district and how it will make a real impact on the health of people living, working and visiting the district.

“This is a vital step forward and shows the Government has faith in our plans. We now need the views of residents and businesses to help shape our plans.

“We all take action collectively and reduce the impact on air quality where we live.”

The survey can be completed on the council’s website www.bradford.gov.uk/consultations and more information can be found at www.bradford.gov.uk/breathebetterBradford/