Agenda item

This Council notes the recent report from Public Health England which shows poor air quality is directly responsible for approximately 350 deaths a year in Leeds and the World Health Organisation’s recent report showing Leeds failing to meet European air quality standards.

Low Emission Zones in Sweden showed a 40% decrease in emission levels from heavy vehicles within just four years of the creation of a Low Emission Zone. A similar increase in air quality in Leeds will avoid unnecessary deaths.

With this in mind, Council expresses its concern that the feasibility study asked for by Full Council more than three years ago in April 2011 has yet to be completed.  It therefore requests the Executive Board to bring forward proposals to create Low Emission Zones in areas of high air pollution in Leeds in order to save lives no later than the October 2014 Executive Board meeting.

It was moved by Councillor J Bentley, seconded by Councillor Campbell that this Council notes the recent report from Public Health England which shows poor air quality is directly responsible for approximately 350 deaths a year in Leeds and the World Health Organisation’s recent report showing Leeds failing to meet European air quality standards.

Low Emission Zones in Sweden showed a 40% decrease in emission levels from heavy vehicles within just four years of the creation of a Low Emission Zone. A similar increase in air quality in Leeds will avoid unnecessary deaths.

With this in mind, Council expresses its concern that the feasibility study asked for by Full Council more than three years ago in April 2011 has yet to be completed.  It therefore requests the Executive Board to bring forward proposals to create Low Emission Zones in areas of high air pollution in Leeds in order to save lives no later than the October 2014 Executive Board meeting.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Dobson, seconded by Councillor Coulson that

This Council notes the recent report from Public Health England which shows poor air quality is directly responsible for approximately 350 deaths a year in Leeds.

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It acknowledges that while the Air Quality position in the city is broadly within the acceptable standards set out by the Air Quality Regulations there is more work to be done to provide the best possible environment for Leeds citizens.

This Council still believes that Low Emissions Zones which prevent the most polluting vehicles from entering the city are a viable option to secure health and environmental benefits in Leeds. In line with this, Council welcomes the work that has been ongoing since 2011 to explore the feasibility of implementing these measures, noting the successful bid for DEFRA funding and the partnership working with Bradford City Council and the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds. Council emphasises that this is an important part of the wider work ongoing around emissions reduction in the city.

Council notes that this is a large and complex major project, and welcomes the expectation that conclusions and proposals for action will be brought forward later in 2014.

A second amendment was moved by Councillor Wadsworth, seconded by Councillor G Latty that

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“Council welcomes the Government’s commitment to provide funding of around £500 million to promote the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles. Council believes that continued investment in, and use of, this kind of technology could be instrumental in cutting the amount of harmful emissions that have such a negative impact on air quality in Leeds.

“Council therefore calls for a report to be brought to Executive Board setting out available options to address air pollution in Leeds.”

Motion will therefore read:

“This Council notes the recent report from Public Health England which shows poor air quality is directly responsible for approximately 350 deaths a year in Leeds and the World Health Organisation’s recent report showing Leeds failing to meet European air quality standards.

“Council welcomes the Government’s commitment to provide funding of around £500 million to promote the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles. Council believes that continued investment in, and use of, this kind of technology could be instrumental in cutting the amount of harmful emissions that have such a negative impact on air quality in Leeds.

“Council therefore calls for a report to be brought to Executive Board setting out available options to address air pollution in Leeds.”

The second amendment in the name of Councillor Wadsworth was lost

The first amendment in the name of Councillor Dobson was carried and upon being put to the vote, it was

RESOLVED – That this Council notes the recent report from Public Health England which shows poor air quality is directly responsible for approximately 350 deaths a year in Leeds.

It acknowledges that while the Air Quality position in the city is broadly within the acceptable standards set out by the Air Quality Regulations there is more work to be done to provide the best possible environment for Leeds citizens.

This Council still believes that Low Emissions Zones which prevent the most polluting vehicles from entering the city are a viable option to secure health and environmental benefits in Leeds. In line with this, Council welcomes the work that has been ongoing since 2011 to explore the feasibility of implementing these measures, noting the successful bid for DEFRA funding and the partnership working with Bradford City Council and the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds. Council emphasises that this is an important part of the wider work ongoing around emissions reduction in the city.

Council notes that this is a large and complex major project, and welcomes the expectation that conclusions and proposals for action will be brought forward later in 2014.