A PLANNED clean air zone – which would see a levy charged on some vehicles heading from Keighley into Shipley and Bradford – “remains a major priority”, says Bradford Council.

In recent weeks, both Leeds City Council and Sheffield Council have announced they are now reviewing similar plans for zones – in which the most-polluting vehicles are charged to enter certain areas.

But Bradford Council says it is pushing ahead with its proposals – and will finalise its business case with the Government next month.

Two years ago, the council was told by the Government to reduce its high pollution levels.

In response, a clean air zone covering most of Bradford and Shipley – the areas of the district with the highest pollution levels – was proposed.

Private cars would not be charged for entering the zone. But HGVs, buses, taxis and coaches that fail to meet clean-air standards would have to pay up to £50 a day.

Those with Euro VI compliant engines would be exempt from charges under the project, which was dubbed Breathe Better Bradford.

A clean air zone was due to be introduced in Leeds this year, but last month the authority announced that due to improving air quality – likely caused by the Covid-19 pandemic leading to a fall in commuting – it was pausing the scheme.

Leeds City Council deputy leader James Lewis said: “If the city’s air pollution is expected to stay below legal limits then we will no longer have the support of the Government to introduce a charging clean air zone. Given this uncertainty, our financial support will continue to be paused until the review is complete.”

And last week Sheffield Council announced that it too was reconsidering a clean air zone plan for the city due to improving air quality levels.

Councillor Bob Johson, cabinet member for transport, said: “The current situation is dramatically different to the one in which our proposals were originally developed.

“In finalising our clean air plans we will review the possible impacts of Covid-19 on businesses, transport and air quality.”

However, Bradford Council says its plans are still progressing.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, portfolio holder for healthy people and places, said: “Improving the air quality of the district remains a major priority for Bradford Council.

“We absolutely recognise the seriousness of poor air quality. Quite literally it costs lives.

“This is why we are working closely with the Government to put in place a wide range of interventions to reduce pollution in the shortest possible time across the district, not just within the proposed clean air zone.”