Drivers could face £14 fee to drive into city

MOTORISTS from across the West could soon have to pay £14 a day to enter the Clean Air Zone in the region’s biggest city.

- ALEX SEABROOK

Since being introduced almost three years ago, pollution in Bristol has plummeted but recently progress has slowed and last year nitrogen dioxide even increased in two locations.

The Clean Air Zone covers a large area around the city centre.

Drivers of particularly polluting vehicles have to pay £9 a day to Bristol City Council to enter the zone, which is then spent on providing more sustainable forms of transport like putting on new bus services.

People living in the countryside who visit Bristol are perhaps more likely to drive diesel vehicles and lack public transport options.

The zone was brought in after the government raised concerns about dangerously high levels of nitrogen dioxide harming people's heaith. Councillors on the environment policy committee will consider increasing the fees on Thursday. Options include £10, £12 or even £14.