Leeds Suspends CAZ Plans

Leeds City Council has postponed proposed plans to introduce their Clean Air Zone (CAZ) while it re-evaluates the air quality issues in the city. An indirect result of the coronavirus pandemic, pollution levels in Leeds have dropped significantly. They now sit below the legal limits and will no longer have Government support to introduce it CAZ. 

Councillor James Lewis, deputy leader for Leeds City Council, said: “Given this uncertainty, our financial support will continue to be paused until the review is complete and we have received further direction.

“I recognize that at an already uncertain time, this latest update will be frustrating for many businesses. However, I would like to ask drivers and operators for their continued patience whilst we carry out this urgent review. I hope to be able to clarify the future of the Leeds CAZ in the Autumn.”

CAZ Postponed

While it is not known if or when work on the scheme will restart, the council claims it should know further details in the Autumn once a review into the scheme had taken place. The original plan was set to be introduced in September 2020; due to the Covid-19 Pandemic this start date was pushed to January 2021 earlier on in the year. However, air pollution levels within the city have now dropped to a safer legal level, meaning the CAZ is now under review and maybe pushed onto a further date. 

Many of the city’s buses, taxis, private hire and businesses are now using cleaner vehicles and it has accelerated highways schemes that will reduce traffic and create more space for cyclists and pedestrians.

The council is also investing in public transport infrastructure as part of its £270 million Connecting Leeds transport programme and has introduced policies and schemes to support the uptake of electric and low emission vehicles.

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