Plans for clean air zone in town centre rejected

Plans for a clean air zone in a town centre have been rejected after councillors accepted that it would cost too much and outweigh the benefits of the scheme.

Guildford Borough Council's cabinet was presented with a report into measures to stem the level of harmful air pollution in the town.

The possibility of a clean air zone for Guildford was raised in a draft air quality action plan, although it sparked concerns over its potential economic impact on the town.

A feasibility study into a possible Guildford clean air zone found that such a measure could bring significant costs, and instead recommended targeted interventions in pollution hotspots and incentives for active travel.

Clean air zones have become increasingly common in cities and towns across Britain over the past few years, many of which see high-polluting vehicles charged a small fee for entering the area.

However, some schemes opt for traffic control measures instead of charging motorists.

The London Ultra Low Emission Zone is one of the best known examples, which sees vehicles which do not meet emission standards billed £12.50 to drive within its borders.

Guildford councillors agreed to report its findings to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and report back on a revised draft Air Quality Action Plan within six months, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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