Diesel cars could be banned from Bristol city centre for eight hours a day according to clean air plan proposal

Banning diesel cars from the city centre could be the council's solution to meeting clean air targets Credit: ITV News

Two possible Clean Air Zone (CAZ) plan options will be presented to Bristol Cabinet next week.

The purpose of the plan is to help Bristol meet Government-set targets for air quality improvement, to prevent pollution damaging public health.

The council says it is committed to producing a plan which will tackle harmful emissions without compromising transport options for those in the city with lower incomes.

So far, Bristol City Council has failed to meet two deadlines set by the Government to present their strategy - with Defra even threatening legal action the second time round.

Now, the council has confirmed it will pitch two options to Cabinet next week in a bid to tackle air pollution.

Heavy polluting vehicles could be charged in areas with high pollution levels Credit: ITV News

Option 1, Clean Air Zone (private cars not charged)

  • Includes a local scrappage scheme

  • Improvements to buses and taxis so they meet compliance standards

  • Diversions to buses and taxis in the areas with the most pollution

  • Putting a bus lane on the M32

  • A targeted diesel ban on the highway past the BRI

  • A charging scheme for polluting buses, taxis and goods vehicles

Option 2, Diesel car ban

  • All diesel cars will be banned from entering a specific central area between 7am and 3pm

Mayor Marvin Rees says targeting pollution cannot come at the expense of negatively affecting low income citizens Credit: ITV News

Following the presentation of the plans next week, the public will be able to voice their opinions on the strategies during a six-week consultation beginning on July 1.

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees has admitted the council needs to do more to tackle air pollution in Bristol, but is not willing to do so at the expense of the poorest in society.