The 26th February 2024 marked one year since Sheffield City Council launched the Clean Air Zone (CAZ). 

The plan focused on reducing the number of heavy polluting vehicles surrounding the city centre. Recently, plans to gradually decommission the CAZ have been announced. 

Greg Fell, Director of Public Health in Sheffield, said the changes throughout the year have been positive.

He said: “Air pollution contributes to one in 20 deaths in Sheffield”.

It was revealed the number of polluting vehicles within the CAZ has reduced by 64%. It has dropped by 18% in surrounding areas. 

Mr Fell added how schemes, such as the app BetterPoints, have helped decrease the number of polluting vehicles in the city centre.

The app awards people points which can go towards things such as restaurants if they choose to walk or cycle rather than driving.

Bethany Muir, a 19-year-old student, said how BetterPoints “encourages her to be sustainable without having to change much”.

She said: “It helps me realise the impact of walking as it shows how much C02 you are saving. This made me think more about my choices.”

Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee, made calls to “thank the people of Sheffield”.

He said: “It is improving the air that we breathe. Together we are saving lives.”

He said an additional one million pounds is being invested into the Clean Air plan that will mainly be targeted towards schools.

On Tuesday, Coun Miskell also announced plans to decommission various measures within the CAZ.

He revealed money was being set aside to dismantle the system of cameras, which raised more than £7m in the past year.

Coun Miskell added there are still various running costs involved in the continuation of the CAZ.

He said: “We have to make sure before we commit to any further spending that we pay for the decommissioning costs.”

He added that air quality data due in summer will prove the CAZ is working.