Issue - meetings

To consider the joint report of the Director of Resources and Housing and the Director of City Development which presents the response outcomes from the recent Statutory Consultation which now requires consequential amendments for certain elements of the Charging Order; provides a progress report on both the implementation of the Clean Air Zone, including an update on the go-live delay; confirms progress on the distribution of financial support to affected sectors and provides an update on other air quality measures which are being progressed.

Further to Minute No. 15, 26^th June 2019, the Director of Resources and Housing and the Director of City Development submitted a joint report which presented the outcomes from the recent Statutory Consultation exercise undertaken on several areas regarding the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and as a result, sought approval of specific consequential amendments which were required for certain elements of the CAZ Charging Order. The report also provided a progress report on both the implementation of the CAZ, including an update on the ‘go-live’ date, confirmed progress on the distribution of financial support to affected sectors and provided an update on other air quality measures which continued to be progressed.

Members discussed the proposed road signage which was to be used for the Clean Air Zone (CAZ). It was noted that although there was no flexibility around the signage given that it was provided by the Department for Transport, it was emphasised that a communications campaign needed to be put in place, especially with the most affected industries, to raise awareness of the CAZ and its associated branding.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the outcome of the Statutory Consultation exercise, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted, and that the resulting amendments to the Charging Order as detailed within the submitted report and as follows, be approved:-

·  The creation of a local Specialist Heavy Goods Vehicle exemption and “qualifying criteria”;

·  The widening the scope of sunset periods in the taxi and private hire sector, to include out-of-town vehicles;

·  The extension of the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) sunset period to 2028; and

·  The making of formal amendments to the Leeds Clean Air Zone Charging Order arising from the outcome of the consultation process.

(b)  That the implementation progress update, as detailed within the submitted report, and the revised ‘go-live’ date of no earlier than 1 July 2020, be noted;

(c)  That regarding the consultation feedback in relation to setting the future emissions standard at zero in 2028, it be noted that it is the intention to consider this matter at the first CAZ annual review.