The overwhelming majority of people who voted in a Daily Focus poll believe a proposed bus gate and clean air zone will have a detrimental effect on their business.
Since reporting last week about Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce raising concerns with Government ministers about the plans for key commuter routes in North Staffordshire, over 1,200 people have responded to the poll – 85 per cent saying it will cause them problems.
The proposals include a bus gate to stop almost all private motorists travelling westbound on Etruria Road (Basford Bank) from the A500 junction towards Newcastle-under-Lyme during rush hours.
A clean air zone covering the city centre and down through Victoria Road, in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, will see the owners of older vans and commercial vehicles charged if they don’t meet agreed emissions standards.*
The Government has instructed local councils to implement the schemes to reduce illegal levels of air pollution detected at these traffic hotspots in a bid to protect people’s health.
In a letter to Government ministers, the Chamber described the decision as a “sledgehammer to smash a nut”.
Businesses have told Daily Focus the plans could be the “final nail in the coffin” for them, are a “distraction and a frustration” and will affect them, their customers and suppliers.
Online gambling giant bet365 said the bus gate could have a serious impact on their ability to recruit and retain employees.
“The poll results show a pretty comprehensive view from the business community and an overwhelming worry that this will be yet another thing that companies and their staff have to deal with, just as we are coming out of such a difficult few years,” said Chamber Chief Executive Sara Williams, pictured above.
She added: “Staffordshire Chambers wrote to Government ministers about this as we know locally the politicians, businesses and many residents can see that this isn’t the right solution to the absolute need to reduce air pollution.
“National Government seems wedded to a policy that won’t help their other policies, such as Levelling Up.
“We are calling for a rethink aligned with a proper infrastructure for electric vehicles and an integrated public transport system. This will help business work better and improve the health of everyone.”
The local authorities responsible for implementing the measures – Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council (the latter supported by Staffordshire County Council) – say they are seeking Government approval to work up alternative solutions.
*Full details of the vehicles affected by the proposals can be found here.
