Bristol Diesel Ban and Clean Air Zones-
As your association we are obviously concerned about how the city centre diesel ban and clean air zone will affect care providers and would like to hear your thoughts? Comments are turned ‘on’ for this blog so tell us what you think!
What do we know so far?
A good analysis comes from RAC Drive; you can read their article HERE but a brief summary is below:
It’s likely to be operational from March 2021, subject to government approval and funding (£113.5)
Diesel ban covers: part of M32, the old city, Redcliffe, Spike Island, Harbourside and Hotwells. It prevents ALL private diesel vehicles from entering the area regardless of emission standard.
The CAZ extends to Cotham, Montpellier, St Philips Marsh, Southville, Bedminster. The map also suggests the A4 corridor out to the M5. All diesel vehicles will have to meet Euro 6 emission standards.
Diesel powered lorries, vans, buses and taxis which pay to enter the wider clean air zone will also be allowed in the central zone.*
Private diesel cars will not be charged to enter the wider clean air zone. Taxis and vans will pay a daily charge of £9 and buses and HGVs £100.*
CAZ will operate 24/7; Diesel Ban will operate between 7.00 AM and 3.00PM daily
Exemptions could apply to blue badge holders and low income households. They are also looking at the impact on visiting the hospital in central Bristol
Other industries are concerned: Alan Peters from Abus which operates bus services around the city, said "They should be encouraging the use of buses rather than increasing the cost." adding that it would need £1.25m of investment to replace his vehicles on the route between the city centre and Keynsham. Similarly, Richard Martin, from Gas Safe Bristol, fears bankruptcy and has started a Tradesmen Against Diesel Ban campaign on Facebook, claiming the plan would cost him £50,000 a year and have no impact on clean air... because there is no other choice but to operate these vehicles.*
On the other hand, A Guardian article applauds the ban, citing 333 annual premature deaths from respiratory illness in the city as well as climate change. The article also highlights the stupidity of not charging for private diesels in the CAZ whilst increasing the cost of public transport.
So, back to the care sector. Already squeezed for cash, not mentioned in the possible exemptions, and where local authorities are pushing more care into the community; what will be the impact of the ban?
You can access the CAZ if vehicles are Euro 6 emissions standard; but most carers use their own cars so who will be responsible for the cost of upgrades? How many employees are prepared or able to upgrade their vehicles? Should there be support for this? Do you think it will impact negatively on recruitment and retention?
Diesel vehicles of any type won’t be able to access the diesel ban zone; how will care providers access clients?
Many residential providers have a cherished minibus to support their activities and wellbeing programme; will they be able to afford up grades?
Will local authorities be prepared to pay any more to cover any increased costs?
Have you done any analysis or planning for managing the ban for your business? Share it with us; it would be good to get a discussion on how the ban will impact the sector and to coordinate stories to help us represent the sector.
C&SW Director , Catherine Twine-Kelly, Managing Director of Supported Independence tells us: “We have promoted the ‘cycle to work’ scheme and paying mileage if staff cycle. I am even collecting our first electric bike tomorrow”
*https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-50292596