Decision details

To make the Charging Order under the Transport Act 2000 and submit to the Secretary of State for Approval alongside the Full Business Case to enable the implementation of the Clean Air Zone in January 2020.

Further to Minute No. 77, 17^th October 2018, the Director of Resources and Housing and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report providing details of the proposed Leeds Clean Air Zone Charging Order, with the recommendation that the Board formally make the ‘Order’. In addition, the report provided detail of the proposed road signage which was to be erected within Leeds for the Clean Air Zone and also provided an update on the progress made with the camera procurement.

Prior to the meeting, Board Members were in receipt of a revised paragraph 6 within Annex 4 of Appendix A to the submitted report, which Members considered at the meeting as a replacement to the version originally submitted.

Members received an update on the funding proposals for the overall programme, with it being noted that correspondence had recently been received from Government indicating that further evidence may be required in respect of the potential sums sought for Leeds’ Clean Air Fund.

The Board noted that the Leader had responded to Government on such matters, and given the unprecedented nature of the initiative, Members were advised that Government would be approached with the aim of agreeing a level of flexibility and contingency in the funding arrangements, with it also being noted that officers were scheduled to meet with Civil Servants next week.

Councillor A Carter highlighted that although he would continue to provide his support when the Council was approaching Government on such matters, he was abstaining from voting on the decisions being taken at today’s meeting, due to concerns he had, with specific reference being made to the viability of retro fitting vehicles. In response to this concern, it was noted that representations would continue to be made to Government on the actions that needed to be taken nationally to ensure the delivery of a practical retro fit offer.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to make the Leeds Clean Air Zone Charging Order, under the provisions of the Transport Act 2000, as detailed at Appendix A to the submitted report, including the revised paragraph 6 within Annex 4 to the Order document (Appendix A) as circulated, to take effect on 6th January 2020;

(b)  That approval be given to submit the Charging Order to the Secretary of State for comment alongside the Full Business Case;

(c)  That it be noted that the Director of Resources and Housing and the Director of City Development will be responsible for the implementation of the Leeds Clean Air Zone Charging Order, subject to the Secretary of State’s formal approval of the Full Business Case and their comment upon the Charging Order;

(d)  That it be noted that the Director of City Development will be permitted to make any non-material amendments to the Leeds Clean Air Charging Zone prior to the implementation date of January 2020, in accordance with the existing delegation relating to Highways and Transportation.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor A Carter required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute, however, he did clarify that he would continue to provide his support when the Council was approaching Government on related matters)

Two stages of public consultation undertaken to date.

Details of consultation contained in October’s Executive Board report on Improving Air Quality within the city.