Bristol hoteliers welcome clarity over clean air zone

Bristol hoteliers have broadly welcomed news that the city’s Clean Air Zone will begin in November, providing a welcome boost to their businesses in an increasingly greener, cleaner world.

The Bristol Hoteliers Association (BHA) say its members are broadly happy that a date has finally been set for the CAZ to begin – 28 November – more than a year after it was initially due.

Raphael Herzog, chair of the BHA, said: “We are increasingly being asked about our green credentials from customers who are considering staying with us.
“Feedback I’ve had from BHA members suggests that the general feeling is there are obvious health benefits from reducing air pollution and advantages in Bristol being recognised for its greener tourism.

“There is a feeling that some people might see the CAZ as enough of an extra cost to deter them from choosing city centre hotels but it has been suggested that three-quarters of vehicles that drive around Bristol will not be charged, so the impact will be quite small.

“Many companies are now asking about environmental policies, sustainability and pollution-reducing initiatives that we, as accommodation and conference or event venue providers, are part of, before they are prepared to confirm bookings.

“With conference events, we are already seeing clients encouraging their delegates to travel by train rather than by car, to improve their own green credentials.

“They want to be seen to be as environmentally-friendly and responsible as possible and choosing a venue or accommodation within a Clean Air Zone reinforces that.”

The Clean Air Zone stretches from the A4 Portway, Ashton Gate and the Cumberland Basin in the West to the bottom of the M32 and Temples Meads in the east.
From November 28, the most polluting vehicles will be charged a minimum of £9 for entering the CAZ.

Mr Herzog said: “Members tell me that, in some cases, there may be increased costs to hotel suppliers, who may pass that on to our hotels and we may have to review our own charges as a result.

“But we feel that the CAZ will probably have little impact in the short to medium term, but in the longer term will provide a positive message about Bristol being a cleaner, greener, place to visit, or to hold your wedding, conference or event.

“There are some concerns that we could see a reduced footfall in the city centre, with the additional costs of the CAZ adding to rising parking costs.

“But overall, members tell me they feel the Clean Air Zone is good news for Bristol.
“Reducing pollution has health benefits for everyone. Perhaps the fresher air will reduce the council’s cleaning costs and give it more money to spend on marketing the city and attracting more visitors and commercial clients.”