On 13 December, Leeds City Council announced proposals to improve air quality in the city, including the introduction of a Clean Air Zone within the Outer Ring Road with charges for non-compliant buses, HGVs and taxis, together with a number of other proposals to bring the city’s air quality within legal limits by 2020.

Action is being taken now because the government has been instructed by the Courts to ensure that robust plans are in place to improve air quality across the UK, following a successful case brought by the environmental pressure group, Client Earth.

Leeds Civic Trust is holding a seminar in the city centre (6pm-8pm), open to all members of the public, to find out more about these proposals and stimulate discussion.

The seminar, which will be chaired by journalist and broadcaster Peg Alexander, will include contributions from:

• Cllr Lucinda Yeadon, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Board Member for Environment and Sustainability, Leeds City Council
• Neil Evans, Director of Resources and Housing, Leeds City Council
• Polly Cook, Executive Programme Manager, Leeds City Council
• Dr James Tate, Associate Lecturer, Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds
• A speaker (tbc) considering the health implications of Air Quality

Followed by Q & A and discussion.

The Council’s formal consultation process lasts from 2 January – 2 March, so this seminar presents an opportunity to hear the facts before people submit their response. Further details of the proposals and further background information can be found at:

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/Business/Pages/Air-quality.aspx

The event is free, but please register to ensure that we are able to accommodate all who wish to attend.