Bradford’s clean air zone has reduced air pollution and saved the NHS more than £30,000 a month in its first year, according to a study.The zone covers 22.4 square km, making it the second largest in England – and 20% of the city’s population lives inside it.The controversial low emission zone meant that from September 2022, older and more polluting lorries, buses, coaches and taxis have had to pay if they drove in the zone.Private cars are exempt from the charge.A new research project, Born in Bradford, has found in the first year of the scheme there were 700 fewer visits to GP practices each month for heart or lung problems.The report found that’s saved the NHS around £30,700 every month.The Government awarded £39m to Bradford Council to help implement the zone, and this money could be used to provide grants to companies to upgrade HGVs, taxis and buses.Bus operators were offered grants of up to £16,000 to convert the engines of buses to ones that would meet Clean Air Zone emission standards.Many buses in the city were retrofitted with technology to reduce their emissions.However, a council meeting has now heard that the technology isn’t working and in fact buses are contributing significantly to the city exceeding pollution limits in areas such as Manchester Road and Queen’s Road.The Council has now gone back to the government to ask for new funding for zero emissions buses, saying that will help them comply with legal air quality limits.Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know..
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