Bristol is trying hard to meet ambitious emissions regulations and as part of this effort, a new Clean Air Zone will be coming into effect early next week. However, this decision has sparked debate amongst the residents of Bristol and we want to know what you think.
The charges have been set at £9 a day for cars and other smaller vehicles such as taxis but rise to £100 for HGVs, coaches and buses. No vehicles will be banned in the CAZ, but initial proposals back in 2019 could have seen Bristol become the UK's first city to ban diesel vehicles from entering parts of the centre.
As the start date of Bristol's Clean Air Zone looms over us, what are your thoughts? What do you think of the proposal and the wider effects on the community and city? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Bristol has had mixed reactions to the proposal, set to start on Monday, November 28. One charity has launched a fundraiser to meet the cost of paying the Clean Air Zone.
Suicide Prevention Bristol provides emergency assistance and patrols to stop people taking their own lives. They have set up a fundraiser to cover the costs their team will face due to the CAZ. The Bristol team is made up of volunteers who respond to emergency call-outs and patrol the areas of the city that are known to be high risk locations for vulnerable people.
But the charity's founder has said that they will be left with 'no choice but to refuse some call-outs' because of the costs of the Clean Air Zone, as the charity's two 4x4 vehicles are liable to pay the £9 a day charge.
However, the Clean Air Zone and planned underground metro will make the city safer for cyclists, according to council chiefs. In response to thousands calling for more cycle lanes and a safer cycling infrastructure across the city, they say a light rail network and less pollution would improve safety.
Have your say on this topic in the comments section.
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