Issue - meetings

Consideration has been given to an update on the position with government following the submission in September 2021 of a plan for a Clean Air Zone Class C (CAZ) and a bid for funding to support a package of mitigation and support measures with a full business case and to proposed changes to the delivery strategy, draft legal order and exemption policy.

The alternative option to that being recommended, but which has been discounted, included not having a phased implementation approach.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That a revised timetable for scheme implementation as set out in the report, given the delay in approval of the Full Business Case be approved.

(ii)

That a phased approach to the implementation of the Clean Air Zone, deferring introduction of daily charges for light goods vehicles until July 2023 be approved, noting that this approach is not yet formally agreed by government

(iii)

That the following local exemptions not previously approved: light goods vehicles (until July 2023); rail replacement buses and coaches; bus and HGV driver training vehicles; hackney carriage, private hire vehicles and LGVs belonging to residents residing within the Clean Air Zone; and hybrid vehicles and the delegation of authority to the Joint Committee overseeing the Clean Air Zone to make further exemptions as considered appropriate, be approved.

(iv)

That the form of the draft Charging Order previously approved by Cabinet be updated to incorporate the changes to the approach and exemptions set out in (i) to (iii) above and accordingly the following be approved:

a)

to agree, jointly with the Newcastle City Council, to make the Charging Order incorporating such amendments identified above (and also incorporating any further amendments referred to in (b) below);

b)

to delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Economy, Innovation and Growth, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet member for Environment and Transport, to make any non-material changes to the Charging Order on behalf of Gateshead Council (and to note that such changes would also be needed to be agreed by Newcastle City Council) before it is made; and

c)

to authorise, in accordance with the Council’s constitution, the sealing and dating of the Charging Order incorporating any changes which are made as in accordance with (ii) and (iii) above.

(v)

That it be noted Newcastle City Council will delegate authority to their Director of Place to enter into a decision, following a full procurement exercise, to award a contract to a panel of finance providers who will assist in the administration and issue of support grants provided to Gateshead Council and Newcastle City Council by Government.

The above decision has been made to enable the delivery of a Clean Air Zone to bring nitrogen dioxide air pollution within Gateshead and Newcastle within legal limits.