Decision details

Following on from a Cabinet decision in December 2021 (E3322), this is a proposal to vary the Bath & North East Somerset CAZ Charging Order 2021 to introduce a charge for Euro 6 HGVs of the N3 vehicle category type. Cabinet is asked to agree the initiation of a public consultation on the introduction of the proposed charge.

(1)  To note the work completed to assess the feasibility and the highlighted risks of introducing a charge appropriate for the benefit of air quality and the amenity of the charging scheme area (including the Grade II* Cleveland Bridge) and the wider Bath World Heritage Site setting.

(2)  To agree that a public consultation, involving key stakeholders as appropriate, is undertaken on the introduction of a charge for Class N3 Euro VI diesel HGVs (HGVs over 12 tonnes) together with associated local exemptions being proposed to mitigate any impact on local businesses and the economy of the wider area.

(3)  As this proposal is distinct from the CAZ charges and outside the scope of the national Clean Air Zone Framework, to note the need for the development of local payment processes based upon those created for the CAZ scheme, as central government systems will not be available for use.  This will require keepers of chargeable Class N3 Euro VI diesel HGVs to divert to the Council’s website to make payment through a separate payment portal, locally created for these vehicles.

(4)  To delegate to the Director of Place Management (in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport), the decision to vary the Order according to the scheme outputs and the feedback received from the public consultation period and implement the scheme with minor variations as required.

Since implementation some 18 months ago, the Bath CAZ is showing positive progress in improving local air quality.  However, to achieve the aims of the Journey to Net Zero strategy by 2030, the Council is committed to continuing to evolve and develop strategies for changing travel behaviours, which build upon the success of the CAZ, and ensure ongoing improvement in environmental quality and amenity once the CAZ is deemed to have achieved compliance with national targets.

Implementing variations to the Order is one of a package of measures set out within the Journey to Net Zero policy that are aimed at improving to the improving local air quality and tackling congestion, whilst also preserving the World Heritage status of the city.  Measures already delivered include emissions-based parking charges, liveable neighbourhood schemes, and improved active and sustainable transport infrastructure.

Varying the Order so that all Class N3 Euro VI diesel HGVs become chargeable under the scheme seeks to influence the owners and operators of these heavier HGVs to:

a)   Redistribute existing hybrid, electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles in their fleets into Bath;

b)   Further encourage the uptake of hybrid, electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles, in line with the HGV Roadmap; and

c)   Discouraging unnecessary journeys using larger HGVs and encourage the use of smaller compliant vehicles, where appropriate.

Previous reports (E3322- Cleveland Bridge Review and E3303- Cleveland Bridge- update and options) considered options including:

·  the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to restrict HGV movements,

·  a road user charge for HGVs on Cleveland Bridge or another road outside of the CAZ,

·  tolling options

These options were deemed unviable at the time due to the high risk of a Primary Route Network appeal to the Department for Transport and this opinion remains unchanged.