One part of Merseyside has moved a step closer to introducing Clean Air Zone.
Sefton's Cabinet is set to approve the findings of an Outline Business Case which would be the first stage in implementing a Clean Air Zone in the borough. The zone would charge non-compliant HGVs a daily fee to travel through the proposed area, which includes parts of the A565 and A5036.
The main cause of air pollution in Sefton is heavy goods vehicles as they produce high levels of emissions which harm air quality. Studies have found that a Clean Air Zone targeting prominent HGV traffic areas has the best chance at reducing air pollution.
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The council claim that while most of the borough's air quality is of a "good standard" some areas need to be improved. Funding will be available to affected local businesses to mitigate the cost of the charges.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: "“Achieving clean air across Sefton is essential in supporting the public health of our residents. The poorest air quality is within areas of health and income deprivation, meaning that the worst air quality is experienced by those most vulnerable to its effects.
"I am pleased that our plans for a potential Clean Air Zone are edging closer, as it will improve the air quality in these areas and help to keep our borough healthy I want to be clear; the Clean Air Zone in Sefton will not affect every day commuters using private cars or vans.
"We are exploring a CAZ option that will charge only heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) that do not meet the required emissions standards. The Council is not using the CAZ as a source of income generation.
"Any income from the charges will help fund the operation and management of the scheme.”
Further information on the Clean Air Plan strategy is available via the Council’s website and on the dedicated Clean Air Plan Your Sefton Your Say pages (https://yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/seftoncleanairplan/)
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