Clean Air Zones

Clean Air Zones are an area where specific action is being taken to improve air quality. A plan is put in place which aims to deliver improved health benefits and support economic growth.

Clean Air Zones aim to address sources of pollution including nitrogen dioxide (NOx) and particulate matter, with the hope of reducing public exposure to them. Different measures may be taken depending on the location.,

Diesel generators have very high NOx emission rates and their use is increasing in response to initiatives within the energy market (this is referring to the capacity market and schemes such as STOR, FFR and TRIAD).

Emissions can be so high that they breach legal limits for NO2.

Within Clean Air Zones:

• Local authorities should consider the air quality impact of plants and safeguard local air quality.
• Businesses requiring back-up power supplies should use generators with low emissions levels. Testing hours should be kept to the minimum required to ensure its safe running.

Cities with clean air zones

London already has a Low Emission Zone in place, with plans to introduce an Ultra-Low Emissions Zone from April 2019. Another 5 cities are required to introduce a Clean Air Zone by 2020. Each of the below cities submitted a proposal in March 2018:

• Birmingham.
• Derby.
• Nottingham.
• Leeds.
• Southampton.