The Bath and North East Somerset Council has recently completed a three-month consultation period for the Bath Air Quality Action Plan.

The subsequent report will inform a feasibility study for the Joint Air Quality Unit (DEFRA and DfT) that requires the development of a final implementation plan that will develop and implement a plan to reduce the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the air in the shortest time possible. The report is due for completion by December 2018 and may result in the imposing of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in the city.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) said the imposition of a CAZ in Bath could have a significant impact on the costs of local business in the area. FTA’s Head of UK Policy Christopher Snelling said: “Any small business that relies on second-hand vehicles operating in or through Bath may be priced out of business.”