These two Portsmouth roads will not be included in £25m clean air zone despite call-in on decision

As previously agreed in October, Kingston Crescent and Fratton Road will not be a part of the clean air zone set to be introduced next year.

Members of the city council's scrutiny panel found no reason to send plans for the zone back to cabinet following a call-in today (Nov 9) by Labour and Progressive Portsmouth People councillors.

Speaking to the panel Labour Councillor Cal Corkery, who led the call-in, said: ‘The Fratton Road - Kingston Road corridor runs through some of the most deprived and unhealthiest communities in our city.

‘Despite those communities often not being the cause of pollution they are still subjected to appallingly poor levels of air quality and pollution - the impact of which on the ability to live healthy and happy lives is undeniable.’

Cllr Corkery argued that the original integrated impact assessment used as part of the October decision was only about the implementation of the zone in general - and not about whether to remove the roads from the boundary, meaning the outcome was based on 'inaccurate' and 'inadequate' information.

He also argued the decision of the zone's boundaries was not ‘out of the council's hands’, although the overall scheme is government imposed.

Council leader Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson said under the government rules the air pollution levels in Alfred Road and Church Street had to be targeted.

‘We have to produce a plan that reduces the air pollution in those two points to an acceptable level in the shortest possible time,’ he said.

‘In doing so we have to use the smallest area possible.’

He added that feedback from a public consultation raised concerns for businesses along Fratton Road and Kingston Crescent.

During the panel meeting seven councillors voted not to refer the report back to cabinet with one - Cllr George Fielding - against.

Cllr Leo Madden said: ‘Am I convinced this is based on inaccurate or inadequate information? I am not.’

Tory spokesman for transport, Cllr Simon Bosher, added: ‘I am sort of with Cllr Madden in the fact that if you look at the integrated impact assessment it does say it’s going to be developed further as the business case develops.

‘It gives delegated authority to the cabinet member for traffic and transportation and the cabinet member for environment and climate change to provide minor changes to the clean air zone boundaries that may arise as part of that.’

It is thought the zone will cost £25m to set up - which will be met by government.

Once the zone is implemented non-compliant taxis, buses, coaches, heavy goods vehicles - and potentially vans - will have to pay to enter.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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