Clean Air Conscious Staffordshire - Staffordshire Chambers

Clean Air Conscious

Air pollution is now the largest environmental risk linked to deaths in the UK, affecting everyone. The government’s clean air strategy aims to protect the nation’s health, protect the environment, and secure green growth and innovation. Staffordshire Chambers is campaigning to promote and protect the health of the local population by helping businesses adapt and make changes to the way that they operate that will improve the region’s air quality.

We want to make sure that businesses are aware of the upcoming changes as well as the support available for businesses who are likely to be affected by the rollout of the Clean Air Zone.

The Clean Air Zone

Blogs

Background

In October 2018, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council were issued with a Ministerial Direction, asking them to produce a Local Air Quality Plan, to address their respective nitrogen dioxide (NO2) problems related to roadside traffic pollution. Based on their close proximity to one another and the nature of the North Staffordshire urban area, the two local authorities were tasked with producing a joint plan.

Staffordshire County Council, as the highway authority for Newcastle-under-Lyme, has been helping the authorities and together the three authorities have developed a plan to tackle NO2 exceedances at the roadside (North Staffordshire Local Air Quality Plan).

Stoke-on-Trent City Council have proposed that a Clean Air Zone (Category C) is put in place. This will introduce a daily charge on any buses, coaches, taxis, lorries and vans that don’t meet the latest emissions standards and drive within a defined area covering parts of Fenton, Joiner’s Square, and the city centre. The need to improve air quality and public health is the imperative, but funds will also be available to help businesses to upgrade their vehicle fleets, so that they comply with the latest emissions standards.