Cars will be exempt from the Bath Clean Air Zone, it was decided in an extraordinary Cabinet meeting this week.

Ordered by the Government to cut dangerous levels of pollution and under pressure from a huge consultation response of over eight thousand residents, Councillors approved a recommendation for a Class C option, which exempts cars from being charged to drive in the zone, but charges higher emission buses, coaches, HGVs, LGVs/vans, private hire vehicles and taxis.

Following Tuesday’s decision, more detailed information on the scheme, including bids for funding, will be sent to central Government. After receiving approvals and funding needed, the Council will then start the formal processes for implementing the scheme, including any required consultation, with the aim of the scheme starting in December 2020.

Councillor Bob Goodman, cabinet member for Development and Neighbourhoods, said: “This is a really important day for the city. Over the years, there has been a lot of talk about air quality, and I am delighted that at last we have made some big decisions. It has taken many months to reach this point, and it has not been easy, however, I believe we have struck the right balance.”

Mark Shelford, cabinet member for Transport and Environment, said: “Our immediate step now is to write to Government confirming our decision, and to seek the funding we need to deliver this plan.

“Levels of pollution, we know, will drop as cleaner vehicles come onto the market; already First Bus is retrofitting vehicles, which means this is an ever-changing picture and one we will continue to monitor.”

Councillor Paul Myers, (Midsomer Norton Redfield and Cabinet Member for Economic and Community Regeneration), has been putting forward the case for local residents comuting in and out of the city. He said: “Throughout the development of the clean air policy, I have argued consistently that we must not lose sight of the original advice from DEFRA, that whilst it was essential to achieve the clean air targets as soon as possible, this should NOT be at any cost.

“In other words, measures should be proportionate, by considering the impact on residents, in particular, the people on low incomes, as well as the local economy. I am delighted with the arrangements agreed this week, based on a Class C Clean Air Zone which will NOT penalise residents driving their cars into Bath with a £9 charge in order to meet emission targets. Common sense has prevailed.”

In response to public feedback, there is a firmer commitment to financial assistance in the shape of interest-free loans to help businesses upgrade pre-Euro 6 commercial vehicles (older than approximately 2015). Businesses with Euro 4 or 5 diesel commercial vehicles unable to obtain a loan would be able to apply for a concession to 1st January 2023.

The Council also remains committed to securing Government funding to speed up the move to cleaner, sustainable transport. For example, asking the Government for funds to support grants of £2,000 to help households upgrade pre-Euro 4 cars (older than approximately 2006). Other measures identified include extended opening hours at the Park & Ride sites, anti-idling and weight-restriction enforcement, support for revisions to residents’ parking zones and better walking and cycling facilities.