RAC reacts to draft Clean Air Zones consultation

Commenting on news that the Government has launched its consultation on the implementation of Clean Air Zones in EnglandRAC roads policy spokesman Nick Lyes said:

“Poor air quality is not only caused by older, dirtier vehicles, but can also be linked by traffic hotspots and idle engines. It’s welcome that the framework recognises this, with due attention paid to road layouts and optimising traffic light conditions to improve traffic flow. There may be some merits in allowing ultra-low emission vehicles to use bus lanes where appropriate, but some other aspects could be a recipe for road safety chaos and confusion, in particular exempting ultra-low emission vehicles from one-way streets.

“Motorists are more likely to switch to ultra-low emission vehicles if there is a financial incentive for them to do so, so Government plug-in grants have been welcome. Likewise, more favourable parking rates and exemptions from congestion charging schemes seem to work. However, changes to vehicle excise duty (VED) rates for new cars from 2017 are likely to have the opposite effect, and unless you are purchasing a pure electric vehicle, your tax rate will be no more favourable from a more polluting vehicle after the first year.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest News

Website preview
National Parking Platform to launch - RAC reaction
Platform allows drivers to choose to use one of six mobile parking payment apps, simplifying parking
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
‘Double dose of delays’ on the cards for drivers making 18m bank holiday trips
Motorists advised to travel later in the day as most journeys are planned between 5am and midday
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Drivers support court-ordered ‘alcolocks’ to tackle drink-drive reoffending 
RAC encourages the Government to take a different approach to reduce drink-drive collisions
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to nearly 14 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app