Why do we need a Clean Air Zone?
Bradford, like many other local authorities in the UK has been required by the government to produce an air quality plan to show how it plans to bring the levels of nitrogen dioxide within legal limits in the shortest possible time.
Air quality monitoring, government guidance and modelling studies have identified a Clean Air Zone as the most effective method of reducing nitrogen dioxide and improving air quality, as quickly as possible.
Every ward in Bradford will benefit from cleaner air
There will be more electric vehicles and the number of noncompliant vans, lorries, taxis and buses will fall. As a result, air quality will improve across the district, both inside and outside the Clean Air Zone boundary (see further information below and check the air quality where you live/work).
Health research in Bradford has indicated that the largest health benefits will be felt by the most deprived communities in the City.
The Clean Air Plan will bring levels of nitrogen dioxide within legal limits five years more quickly than without intervention. Find out more about the Born in Bradford Health Research.
Professor Sir Chris Whitty visits Bradford
Professor Sir Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer for England, paid a visit to Bradford to learn about some of the major health initiatives and studies being undertaken in the district.
Sir Chris Whitty was keen to find out more about the work we are doing to improve air quality and health including the clean air zone and a new particle reduction strategy, which will help reduce exposure to both outdoor and indoor air pollution. Research carried out in Bradford confirms that environmental pollution a cause of ill health in the City.
As part of the visit, Sir Chris was shown around the clinical research facility at Bradford Teaching Hospitals where he was accompanied by Professor John Wright, Director Bradford Institute of Health research and Sarah Muckle, Director of Public Health for Bradford district.
He met with staff at the hospital where he spoke with them about their experiences of working through the pandemic.
He also visited Al Mustafa Centre in Girlington where he was given an overview of the partnership work being done to help tackle obesity, particularly amongst South Asian children.
What is the impact of air quality on our health
Poor air quality is a major cause of early death and illness. It has been linked to lung and heart disease in children and adults and low birth weight. During periods of poor air quality, health gets worse, leading to more hospital admissions and deaths. Children and the elderly are particularly affected by pollution.
 Bradford has some worry statistics when it comes to health problems that can be associated with poor air quality.
- 500 respiratory health deaths per year in Bradford
- 13,154 people with COPD
- 41,858 people with asthma
- 380 respiratory emergency attendances per week in Bradford hospitals
- 3.9% of babies born have low birth rate
The Born In Bradford research team will evaluate the impact of a Clean Air Zone on air quality, health and health inequalities in the city of Bradford. You can find out more about the study on their website.
Air quality improvements from particle reduction strategy
New funding has been awarded of £253,422 to take forward a particle reduction strategy that will contribute further to improving air quality in the district.
We are striving to make the district a better place for everyone to live and work by improving the quality of air that we breathe. The Bradford Clean Air Plan currently has a focus on reducing the levels of nitrogen dioxide by introducing the Clean Air Zone. This work will now be extended to implement a particle reduction strategy to take consideration of other sources of particle pollution.
The funding will allow us the opportunity to extend the Bradford Clean Air Plan to make it a more holistic air quality and health programme which will directly improve public health. We are already undertaking a health impact assessment of the nationally acclaimed Bradford Clean Air Plan with the evaluation being done by the NHS at Born In Bradford. We have included specific local modelling of other sources of pollution such as domestic heating, trains and other interventions such as boiler replacements, park and ride and electric buses in the study.
The particulate reduction strategy is expected to rapidly increase public awareness of the sources and health impacts of particulate pollution in the targeted areas leading to localised reductions in domestic solid fuel emissions and prompting other behavioural change to improve indoor and outdoor air quality near homes and schools.
Check your vehicle online
Using the government’s GOV.UK’s vehicle checker, you will be able to check whether charges will apply to your vehicle using your registration number. If you’re a business or organisation, you can check multiple vehicles.
Clean Air Zone links and information
All information regarding the Bradford CAZ, including information about grants and exemptions, can be found on the Breathe Better Bradford website.
Sign up to receive Clean Air Zone updates
Clean Air Zone enquiries: 01274 435533 or complete the online form
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