Overview

The Clean Air Bill aims to improve air quality in England and Wales by setting stricter vehicle emission standards, increasing monitoring of pollution levels, and promoting sustainable transport options. It introduces penalties for tampering with emission-reducing devices and empowers local authorities to create low-emission zones.

Description

This bill mandates the Secretary of State to set and enforce air quality targets, making it an offense to remove devices designed to reduce vehicle emissions (with exceptions for repairs). New vehicle emissions testing must reflect real-world driving conditions, incorporating Euro 6 standards. Local authorities are empowered to establish low-emission zones for diesel vehicles, expand pedestrian areas and cycle lanes, and develop sustainable transport plans promoting electric and hydrogen vehicles. The bill also addresses air pollution from maritime and aviation sources, requiring emissions monitoring and the implementation of emission-reduction technologies in ports and airports. Finally, it calls for a review of the government's fiscal strategy to assess its contribution to improving air quality and to propose incentives for sustainable transport, potentially including a diesel scrappage scheme.

Government Spending

The bill will necessitate government expenditure on enforcing new regulations, supporting the development of sustainable transport infrastructure (including electric charging points and hydrogen refueling stations), and funding the independent review of the fiscal strategy. Specific figures for these expenditures are not provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Vehicle owners: Face potential fines for tampering with emission control devices and may be incentivized to switch to lower-emission vehicles through a potential scrappage scheme.
• Local authorities: Responsible for implementing and enforcing many aspects of the bill, including monitoring air quality, establishing low-emission zones, and developing sustainable transport plans. This will likely involve increased responsibilities and potentially increased costs.
• Businesses (especially transport): May face increased costs due to compliance with new emission standards and potential restrictions on diesel vehicles in urban areas.
• Ports and airports: Required to invest in emission-reducing technology and infrastructure.
• Residents in urban areas: Will benefit from improved air quality but may experience short-term disruptions due to traffic restrictions.

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