Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what support the Government is providing to local authorities to introduce clean air zones.

Under the 2017 UK Plan for Tackling Roadside Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations and its further Supplement in 2018, 61 local authorities were directed to develop plans for delivering Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) compliance in the shortest possible time.

As a result of this process, a number of local authorities have determined that Clean Air Zone is needed to deliver legal NO₂ levels in the shortest possible time. Where this is the case, Government is providing guidance to local authorities to implement the zone, as well as financial assistance to help local businesses and individuals adapt - including grants to help upgrade vehicles supported by £880m of ringfenced support. The first two Clean Air Zones have been implemented by Birmingham City Council and Bath and North East Somerset Council, with further zones expected to be introduced later this year and next year.

Under the Transport Act 2000, local authorities are permitted to implement a charging zone to achieve air quality objectives independently of the Government’s NO₂ programme.

The Mayor of London is responsible for air quality in the capital and has reserve powers under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 to reflect this. The Mayor received funding to implement measures to improve air quality as part of the 2015 £5bn transport funding settlement.