Agenda item

To consider a report by the Director of Environments and Housing which provides an update on the progress made in terms of CAZ implementation and the submission of applications for funding.

Details of DEFRA’s CAZ plans and the opportunity to submit funding requests were advised to the Committee in July 2016. 

(Report attached)

The Director of Environments and Housing submitted a report which provided an update on the progress with regard to Clean Air Zone (CAZ) implementation and the submission of applications for funding.

It was reported that details of DEFRA’s CAZ plans and the opportunity to submit funding requests were advised to this Committee in July 2016.

The Executive Programme Manager, Strategy & Resources, presented the report and responded to Members questions and queries.

Discussion ensued on the contents of the report which included:

·  Current and Planned Actions to address air quality in Leeds

·  Engagement Plans

·  OLEV Clean Taxi Grant Bid

·  DEFRA Taxi & Private Hire Licensing Scrappage

·  Licensing Conditions

Referring to Section 2.3 of the report “Applications for Funding”, Members requested if a brief report could be provided to the next meeting on the uptake of applications seeking vehicle purchase funding.

It was also requested that a Briefing Note be prepared on “Home Charging Grants” which could be circulated to all Members of Council.

Officers confirmed the requested information would be made available.

Referring to Paragraph 1.4 of the submitted report, clarification was sought on the number of, and locations of the air quality monitoring areas. Members also queried why certain areas (Junction 28 of the M62 motorway) was not identified as a poor air quality area

In responding officers confirmed that there were 6 air quality monitoring areas located throughout the city: Burmantofts (Haselwood Close), Pool in Wharfedale (Main Street), City & Hunslet (Caspar Apartments), Kirkstall (The Normans), Beeston & Holbeck (Tilbury’s and Eustons) and Morley (Chapel Hill).

In terms of identifying poor air quality areas “hotspots” officers reported that

an updated DEFRA model was being produced that would identify further areas in Leeds. However, it was not anticipated that DEFRA’s updated model would identify any unknown areas as the current measurement of air quality across the city was comprehensive.

It was suggested that a map showing the location of the air quality monitoring areas be circulated to all Members of the Committee.

Officers confirmed the requested information would be made available.

Referring to Paragraph 2.1.5 of the submitted report “Free parking had been offered to owners of zero and ultra - low emission vehicles at Council operated car parks”. Members queried if car park revenue would be affected as a consequence.

In responding officers suggested that the impact on revenue was being monitored annually and once there was a high take up of zero and ultra - low emission vehicles, the incentive would no longer be required.

Referring to the delivery of charge point infrastructure (Paragraph 2.3.6), one Member commented that on a recent journey to Scotland electric charging points were not available after 6.00pm, were officers aware of this restriction.

In responding officers reported that they were unaware of a 6.00pm cut off and they would ensure that this limitation was not in place in the charging networks installed within Leeds. In terms of the charge point infrastructure, it was anticipated that petrol station chains may in the near future begin to install electric charging points within their petrol stations but the uptake of electric vehicles needs to be established.

RESOLVED –

(i)  The information regarding the programme plans for delivery of a CAZ in Leeds, in particular the key milestone of the June Executive Board be noted

(ii)  To note the update on the submission of an application for funding from OLEV to support delivery of electric vehicle charge point infrastructure for the trade.

(iii)  To note that the authority had sought to secure funding to assist the taxi and private hire trade with the purchase of electric vehicles

(iv)  That in respect of (iii) above, a report setting out details of the uptake of applications seeking vehicle purchase funding be prepared for the March 2017 meeting of this Committee

(v)  That a further report be brought back to this Committee in June 2017 with details of any proposed vehicle licensing condition changes that may be considered following discussion with the other West Yorkshire and York authorities.  The aim of these discussions is to look at a common approach across the region.  Any proposals for change would be subject to full public consultation.