Motion asks councillors to reject clean air zones

A county council is set to vote on whether it should refuse to support environmental schemes such as clean air and congestion zones.

Wiltshire Council will debate the issue at a meeting on Tuesday following a motion from Conservative councillors Dominic Muns and Nick Hold.

Low traffic neighbourhoods, congestion and clean air zones have been introduced in both Bath and Bristol to help reduce air pollution.

But the councillors argue Wiltshire residents have a "significant need" to use cars due to the rural landscape.

The motion states the council should "refuse to support any scheme that seeks to force people out of their private vehicles without a high-quality, efficient, reliable and cost-effective alternative".

"Much of Wiltshire is disconnected and relies on private vehicle use," it said.

"We have seen the unintended negative consequences of Clean Air Zones, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, Congestion Zones and strategic parking price rises in places like Bath, Bristol and London."

The motion said the council should refuse to "incorporate such controls" in Wiltshire until residents have a "viable alternative means of travel for education, employment, healthcare, and leisure".

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