BIRMINGHAM’S JOURNEY TO CLEANER AIR

Pollution in the air, mainly caused by vehicles on the roads, is having a harmful effect on the health of people living and working in the city.

We need to make changes to ensure the air becomes cleaner, so we can all live healthier lives. The government has said that Birmingham must reduce its levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as soon as possible, and road transport is responsible for around half of all nitrogen dioxide emissions.

Therefore, from June 1st 2021, Birmingham will launch a Clean Air Zone, where targeted action will be taken to improve air quality and discourage the most polluting vehicles from entering the city centre and the surrounding area. No vehicle is banned in this zone, but those which do not meet the appropriate criteria will have to pay a daily charge to travel within the parameters of the Clean Air Zone.

Opting to travel via public transport in the city centre is a small step many of us can take to reduce our carbon footprint. National Express has pledged to reach zero emissions by 2030, and is collaborating with Birmingham City Council to introduce 20 new hydrogen-powered buses to its fleet from April 2021. Hydrogen buses consume four times less fuel than standard diesel buses, in addition to emitting water vapour so no carbon dioxide or other harmful gases are released into the air.

Click here for further information on Clean Air Zone timings and charges.