Issue - meetings

Cathryn Brown, Team Manager Clean Air Zone, introduced the item and gave a presentation which covered the following:

·  What was the CAZ designed to achieve?

·  Our achievements in the first year

·  Monitoring of potential traffic displacement

·  How revenue from the zone is spent

·  Government’s view of performance in 2021

·  Next Steps…

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Johnson asked about delivery hubs/e-cargo deliveries. The officer explained that it is hoped that the pilot will develop into a sustainable system.

Councillor Appleyard stated that this was a challenging project and he recognised the work done on it. He asked about next steps and about people being educated in terms of gradually replacing cars. The officer agreed that it would be great to evolve the scheme but not yet sure how it would look. She added that every opportunity is taken to talk to people about the use of cars and whether journeys are necessary. The team is supporting the Liveable Neighbourhoods Projects and beginning to spread our knowledge and learning in terms of behaviour change.

Councillor Appleyard asked about surpluses – he stated that the pain has been felt in the local area so hoped any surpluses would be spent in the local area. The officer explained that surpluses must be reinvested in transport schemes, some of which will be local. She confirmed that the surplus will benefit local schemes.

In response to a question from Councillor May, the officer explained that the figures show the average NO2 levels, it is hoped that the figures continue to come down and the team are focussing on particular areas.

Councillor May asked about targets for 2030/35. The officer stated that there are discussions about local targets to demonstrate the Council’s commitment to go further.

Councillor Appleyard asked about areas of concern and also about areas outside of Bath such as Keynsham High Street. The officer explained areas of concern are Wells Road, Walcot Parade and Dorchester Street. She added that areas across the whole of BANES are included in monitoring, Keynsham is part of an Air Quality Management area as well as Temple Cloud and Farrington Gurney. Councillor Walker stated that Ward Councillors can request to have their area monitored.

Councillor Hounsell stated that the presentation was excellent, thorough, and clear.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the presentation and report.