Agenda item

This Council in principle rules out the introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in Leeds.

It was moved by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor Buckley that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 13.2(d) and 14.10 that leave of Council be given to withdraw the motion in his name and that under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule (CPR) 22.1 (Suspension of CPRs), that CPR 12.1(a) (motions on notice) be suspended to allow the introduction of a motion at short notice.

Leave of Council was given to withdraw the motion and therefore the 3 submitted amendments associated with the original white paper motion fell.

The original motion and amendments are set out below in italics

That this Council in principle rules out the introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in Leeds.

An amendment was submitted by Councillor Blackburn

Delete all after “This Council” and replace with

“… notes that vehicle emissions not only damage our environment, but also have serious impact upon the health of our citizens. Council therefore resolves to do all that is reasonably possible to reduce the level of these emissions in our city.

Furthermore, this Council decries the increasing ‘weaponisation’ of social issues like the ULEZ in the pursuit of mindless culture wars, that distract us from the important work of building a fair and sustainable society.”

The amended White Paper will then read:

This Council notes that vehicle emissions not only damage our environment, but also have serious impact upon the health of our citizens. Council therefore resolves to do all that is reasonably possible to reduce the level of these emissions in our city.

Furthermore, this Council decries the increasing ‘weaponisation’ of social issues like the ULEZ in the pursuit of mindless culture wars, that distract us from the important work of building a fair and sustainable society.

A second amendment was submitted by Councillor Golton;

Delete all after ‘This Council”

and replace with ‘believes that all Leeds citizens have the right to breathe clean air’

The amended White Paper will then read:

This Council believes that all Leeds citizens have the right to breathe clean air.

A third amendment was submitted by Councillor Rafique

In the first paragraph, after “This Council in principle rules out introduction of” insert:

“vehicle and road use charges as part of….”

In the first paragraph, after “an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in Leeds”  insert:

“….and commits to improving air quality across the city.

However, Council notes this issue could be taken out of our hands as it was in 2017 when the Conservative Government directed the Council to consider measures to improve Air Quality in Leeds including through a charging Clean Air Zone. Council further notes in 2020 other actions taken by this Council to improve air quality meant the Government agreed a Clean Air Zone was no longer necessary. 

Council welcomes measures set out in the Leeds Air Quality Strategy and Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy that are helping to improve air quality in Leeds. Council is concerned the Government’s failure to support some measures identified in the strategies, including public transport improvements, risks compromising the good progress made so far to improve air quality for Leeds residents.

Council is concerned by the inconsistent approach to Air Quality standards taken by the current Conservative Government. Council therefore calls on the Government to reconsider its approach and provide sufficient support to local areas to ensure air quality continues to improve and avoid the need for measures such as a Clean Air Zone.”

Amended motion to read:

“This Council in principle rules out the introduction of vehicle and road use charges as part of an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in Leeds and commits to improving air quality across the city.

However, Council notes this issue could be taken out of our hands as it was in 2017 when the Conservative Government directed the Council to consider measures to improve Air Quality in Leeds including through a charging Clean Air Zone. Council further notes in 2020 other actions taken by this Council to improve air quality meant the Government agreed a Clean Air Zone was no longer necessary. 

Council welcomes measures set out in the Leeds Air Quality Strategy and Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy that are helping to improve air quality in Leeds. Council is concerned the Government’s failure to support some measures identified in the strategies, including public transport improvements, risks compromising the good progress made so far to improve air quality for Leeds residents.

Council is concerned by the inconsistent approach to Air Quality standards taken by the current Conservative Government. Council therefore calls on the Government to reconsider its approach and provide sufficient support to local areas to ensure air quality continues to improve and avoid the need for measures such as a Clean Air Zone.”

With leave of Council it was moved by Councillor Lamb, seconded by Councillor Lewis that this Council in principle rules out the introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in Leeds, and also believes that all Leeds citizens have the right to breathe clean air.

Council agrees to bring forward an Executive Board report setting out future actions on improving air quality.

RESOLVED – That this Council in principle rules out the introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in Leeds, and also believes that all Leeds citizens have the right to breathe clean air.

Council agrees to bring forward an Executive Board report setting out future actions on improving air quality.