Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if the Government will recommend that local authorities who are establishing clean air zones should prioritise (a) schools, (b) hospitals and (c) other areas which vulnerable people frequent.

Local authorities are responsible for designing their Clean Air Zone in a way which will be the most effective for their area. The Zones will provide targeted action in areas where it is most needed, potentially including schools, hospitals, or other areas vulnerable people frequent.

On 13 October we launched a consultation inviting views on the draft Clean Air Zone Framework, which will provide a consistent approach to the implementation of the Zones. It sets out potential action under three themes: immediate action to improve air quality and health, supporting local growth and ambition, and accelerating the transition to a low emission economy.

Officials from the Defra/Department for Transport Joint Air Quality Unit have been working in close partnership with the five cities where a Clean Air Zone is being mandated to help deliver an effective and efficient tailored solution for each city. Each of the five cities will conduct a feasibility study to determine a scheme which will achieve the reductions needed in nitrogen dioxide levels within the required timeframe. These schemes will also be agreed by the relevant local authority and the Secretary of State.