Council draws up plan to block clean air zone

The council says it is opposed to the introduction of a clean air zone in Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent City Council says it is drawing up plans to prevent a clean air zone (CAZ) being introduced in the city.

The government has told the authority that it needs to reduce pollution along Victoria Road in Fenton after harmful levels of nitrogen dioxide gas were found there.

In 2021, the council’s former Tory administration suggested charging a daily fee for some vehicles would help bring the problem back within legal limits.

The new administration has said it is now preparing alternative proposals, but these must be formally approved by the government.

Council leader Jane Ashworth said: “During our time as opposition we always said that a CAZ would have a negative impact on the city’s economy, and we should be allowed to bring in other ways to improve air quality.

“It’s vital we do this for the public health of our residents and visitors while supporting businesses.

“Pollution levels have naturally dropped over time as fewer older vehicles are on the roads as their owners have bought newer models.”

She said implementing a clean air zone was like using a “sledgehammer to crack a nut”.

Zones have been introduced elsewhere to reduce pollution

The council argued most pollution was caused by older vehicles and pollution had fallen as there were fewer old vehicles on the road.

The authority said it would have to adapt junctions along the route to improve traffic flow, and this would stop pollution building up.

There will also be grants for taxi drivers to help them upgrade their vehicles, and new road layouts that encourage people to walk and cycle more.

The council is currently aiming to submit a full business case in the summer, for the government to assess.