Agenda item

To consider the joint report of the Director of Environment and Housing, the Director of City Development and the Director of Public Health setting out the background to, and main findings of a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) feasibility study. The study has looked at air quality in Leeds, the main contributors and scenarios to bring about reductions of key pollutants and the associated health and economic implications. In addition, the report presents the initial response to the study, describing measures which are currently being taken to improve air quality and pointing to further areas where progress can be made.

The Director of Environment and Housing, the Director of City Development and the Director of Public Health submitted a joint report presenting the background to, and the key findings arising from a study undertaken into the feasibility of introducing a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). The study considered air quality in Leeds, the main contributors and scenarios to bring about reductions of key pollutants and the associated health and economic implications. In addition, the report also presented the initial response to the study, describing measures which were currently being taken to improve air quality and pointing to further areas where progress could be made.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, further context was provided to the Board around the short term actions proposed within the submitted report which would look to develop a strategic approach towards the improvement of air quality. Members noted the intention to submit a further report on this matter to Executive Board in the summer of 2015.

Emphasis was placed upon the need for the level of public transport emissions to be improved, and it was acknowledged that Quality Bus Contracts was one of a number of potential options available which could help improve such emission levels.

The Board highlighted how the devolution of greater powers to the Local Authority would enable the development of a truly strategic approach on such issues, and with this in mind, it was suggested that the Council’s ‘wider ambition’ for the improvement of air quality form part of the report to be submitted to the Board in summer 2015.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That dialogue with key interest groups in the transport sector be commenced in order to agree a range of practical measures with timescales for their introduction that will bring about improvements to air quality and health. The aim being to deliver changes by dialogue where possible, but with the clear understanding that improvements could be achieved ultimately via a Low Emission Zone.

(b)  That the findings of this work be shared regionally with the other West Yorkshire Authorities and the Combined Authority in order to assist in providing a regional solution to the air quality challenge that the whole of West Yorkshire faces. In addition, it be noted that air quality is a trans-boundary issue and can only be effectively addressed across West Yorkshire by all partner authorities and organisations working together, and wherever possible it be recommended that any measures introduced reflect the regional situation rather than dealing with issues in isolation.

(c)  That the key findings of the LEZ study be used to influence future funding bids as they become available (for example the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) Green Bus Fund);

(d)  That any future decision to introduce a Low Emission Zone be taken in the context of a wider Leeds Low Emission Strategy that is expected in 2015;

(e)  That an update report on this matter be submitted to the Board in summer 2015, which also provides further information on the Council’s ‘wider ambition’ for the improvement of air quality.