City’s Clean Air Zone plans reviewed in light of virus outbreak

Proposals for a Clean Air Zone in Sheffield will be subjected to a review in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A statement released today by Sheffield City Council says tackling air pollution remains a priority, but also notes circumstances have changed “dramatically” due to the response to the virus.

It explains: “Our current direction from Government to implement a Clean Air Zone was based on options we submitted in December 2018 which set out proposals for the most appropriate measures at that time.

“However, the situation has changed significantly and unexpectedly due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and we have seen drop in air pollution of up to 33% in January to August of this year compared to the same period in 2019.

“We recognise many businesses and jobs are under unprecedented stress arising from the economic impacts of the pandemic.

“At the same time, following on from the lockdown required to control the spread of the virus, there have been a number of changes to travel behaviour which has led to improvements in air quality.

“The current situation is dramatically different to the one in which our proposals were originally developed.

“In finalising our clean air plans we will review the possible impacts of COVID-19 on businesses, transport, and air quality.

“This will help us decide if the same action is needed, or if changes can be made to be successful in reducing air pollution for the long term.

“We will only make a decision on the final Clean Air Plans when we have a better understanding of the impact of COVID-19.

“We are also confirming that it will include considering alternative approaches to charging non-compliant vehicles within the city centre as part of its contribution to the Clean Air Zone review.”

Bob Johnson, Cabinet Member for Transport and Development, said: “We know air pollution disproportionately harms the poorest, most deprived areas.

“Action to improve the air we all breathe in Sheffield is essential and everyone has a role to play.

“During the Coronavirus pandemic we have seen improvements in air quality and we want to sustain them. However we are reviewing our plans for the Clean Air Zone in light of Coronavirus.

“If we can hold onto clean air by introducing other measures without resorting to charging people, we believe this is the best way forward.

“Alternative measures include incentives for upgrading vehicles, better provision for walking and cycling, and cleaner public transport.

“Many of the businesses who will need to upgrade their vehicles in order to be compliant with the CAZ are focusing quite rightly on controlling the spread of the virus, and working to keep people safe, local people in jobs and businesses afloat.

“If they cannot afford to upgrade to cleaner vehicles, they may end up paying to pollute and we will all still breathe dirty air.”

Tom Sutton, head of policy & representation at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, said: “Given the changed circumstances it is right to look again at the best way to improve air quality across Sheffield.

“We welcome the review into the alternative ways we could meet the required air pollution reductions.

“We look forward to working with the council to think through the impacts that COVID-19 has had on business, transport and travel patterns, and how we can address air quality without placing an undue burden on local businesses.”

Hafeas Rehman, chairman of Sheffeld Taxi Trade Association, said: “We believe this is a step in the right direction and the council’s decision is right. We wholeheartedly support their efforts in trying to achieve and maintain a clean air zone that can and has had immeasurable benefits for all.

“Drivers amongst other key workers have been identified as individuals most at risk of polluted air.

“As taxi drivers we are very keen to work with the council to initiate the new vision that incorporates a working strategy that revolves around alternative strategies which avoid penalising an already struggling trade.”