Mayor of Bristol contemplates low-emission zones

Date: 19/6/2013

Bristol's Mayor George Ferguson has revealed that a low-emission zone could be introduced in the city as part of attempts to combat high pollution levels, which currently exceed EU requirements.

Speaking to the BBC, Mayor Ferguson explained that potential solutions also include having lorries deliver goods to depots just outside of Bristol, where smaller, more efficient vehicles would then transport them into the city.

"Bristol should be considering bringing in the zones if we're going to meet the air quality requirements of the EU, which are not unreasonable and that we're not currently meeting," he said.

Low-emission areas have already been implemented in London and Norwich, with Oxford said to be considering introducing specified zones too.

The Mayor added that Bristol's taxis could be converted to run on cleaner fuel as various options are explored in a bid to improve the city's air quality and avoid fines that may be imposed by the EU.  

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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