Virus pandemic likely to delay launch of Leeds and Birmingham CAZs

The launch of clean air zones in Birmingham and Leeds looks likely to be delayed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The first two English CAZs outside London were due to come into force this summer, but implementation is now set to be delayed by up to six months following pleas from organisations including the Road Haulage Association.

In a statement, Birmingham City Council said: “We remain committed to launching the clean air zone in line with the previously-stated estimate of summer 2020. However, we are conscious of the potential economic impact that Covid-19 may have on our plans and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Leeds City Council was due to approve its CAZ to go live on September 28, but a meeting to ratify the decision was cancelled because of the virus outbreak.