To try to better the climate and reduce pollution the government has implemented new clean air zones but how do this work?
What is a clean air zone?
Clean air zones are the government’s plan forward to reduce pollution, especially in bigger cities and towns. The way clean air zones will work is that any eco-friendly vehicles will be able to pass through, as usual, however, people driving bigger vehicles that cause an environmental risk will be charged a fee to travel through these areas.
This has currently been implemented in Birmingham as a Class D clean air zone where charging and payments will start from 14th June 2021.
Bath has also implemented a clean air zone and is currently classed as a grade C.
Types of Clean Air Zones:
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Class
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Vehicle Type
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A
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Buses, Coaches, Taxis, Private hire vehicles
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B
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Buses, Coaches, Taxis, Private hire vehicles, Heavy good vehicles
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C
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Buses, Coaches, Taxis, Private hire vehicles, Heavy good vehicles, Vans, Minibuses
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D
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Buses, Coaches, Taxis, Private hire vehicles, Heavy good vehicles, Vans, Minibuses, Cars, the local authority has the option to include motorcycles
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What can we do to help?
There are two main ways that you could help protect against pollution in your local area through travel. The first of these is driving an electric vehicle. As electric vehicles run on electricity to pollution given out by diesel and petrol usage is taken away meaning that every journey is better for the environment and also cheaper for the driver. Click here to learn about the Nissan LEAF which is Nissan’s electric option.
Secondly, limiting the amount of time in your vehicles could also help. Smaller journeys could be walked rather than using the car as well as this using public transport is another great method in reducing pollution levels. Public transport allows many people to travel the same route while using less petrol or diesel than it would if all passengers drove separately. So, if public transport is an option for you it may help save your local area from any future pollution-related issues.