19.02.20
Government releases £4m fund for Bradford Clean Air Zone
Bradford Council is set to benefit from a £4m funding pot from government to tackle poor air quality in the district.
Yesterday (Feb 18) saw the launch of a public consultation on the proposed Clean Air Zone in Bradford, inviting residents and businesses to have their say, which will run until March 26th.
The city centre, Outer Ring Road, Shipley and Saltaire are the areas of Bradford where air pollution is at the highest and will be the main focus of the Clean Air Zone scheme, aiming to improve air quality and the health of the citizens.
Poor air quality is linked to around 200 preventable deaths and many more illnesses in residents each year, especially individuals who have cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.
Findings from the consultation will support the refining of proposals submitted to the government’s Joint Air Quality Unit, solidified by this £4m boost.
The funding will also work to develop and deliver a system that supports locally affected businesses and organisations to upgrade their vehicles.
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said:
“We have worked hard to put forward a strong business case to Government on why we need to tackle air pollution in the district and how it will make a real impact on the health of people living, working and visiting the district.
“This is a vital step forward and shows the Government has faith in our plans. We now need the views of residents and businesses to help shape our plans. We all take action collectively and reduce the impact on air quality where we live.”