Evaluating an Urban Clear Zone: Case Study Bristol

Panel: Panel 5: Land use,Transportation and infrastructure (urban and regional planning, approaches to change in well entrenched systems)

Author:
Jo Baker, Transport & Travel Research (TTR)

Abstract

In response to an initiative promoted by the UK government, and as part of the DGXVII DANTE project, Bristol City Council has considered the designation of part of the city centre as a Clear Zone. This would be a “liveable, accessible and lively urban centre where traffic congestion, pollution, noise, stress and other negatives impacts of mobility are eliminated or limited”

If adopted, the Clear Zone would represent a commitment in planning policy to achieve long-term environmentall objectives by a combination of land-use planning and technological innovation.

A second project examines, in more detail, the relationship between the development of the Clear Zone, and the impact of local transport on the environment. A strategic air quality model, which provides a quantitative indication of the impact of the land-use and transportation characteristics of the city, will combined with a qualitative appraisal of quality of life indicators. Carbon Dioxide ant other, emissions will be estimated, and the model will also estimate energy consumption, both a point of use, and at point of production. Current research on the monetary valuation of environmental indicators will be used to provide a cost-benefit analysis of alternative proposals.

The technical approach developed in Bristol will be designed to provide a generic methodology for the application of Low Emissions Zones in other UK cities and, ultimately, throughout Europe. The objective of this exercise is to ensure that decision-makers have access to a clear, cost-effective means of assessing the environmental impacts of their land-use policies.