Bath and North East Somerset Council’s plans to charge emergency services vehicles to enter the centre of the city have been branded an “absolute disgrace” by one of its own councillors.

Cllr Chris Warren, an Independent councillor representing the village of Saltford, believes the plans show a lack of consideration, understanding and respect for the essential and life saving work that the emergency services do on a daily basis.

Police cars, ambulances and fire engines will be charged to enter Bath’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) from next month. A four-year exemption for emergency service vehicles and those used by voluntary groups in support of them ends on March 14.

Cllr Chris Warren (Independent, Saltford) said: “The Lib Dem council leadership has to retain this exemption for emergency vehicles.

“Any fines issued would be paid from the public purse which then ends up in another public purse and don’t forget the administration costs to process these fines paid for by-us.

“As if the controversial Clear Air Zone wasn’t restrictive enough, the local authority now wants to charge those people who save the lives of others a ‘green tax’ to enter the city centre.

“I have deep, deep reservations about these proposals – especially as they could have an impact on responding to emergencies and fighting crime.”

More than half of Avon Fire Authority's fleet of vehicles are not yet ‘clean air zone’ compliant and it will take another six years for it to become so, according to a recent report which also says that electric and hydrogen vehicles are roughly twice the cost of petrol and diesel models.

The council’s Clean Air Zone in Bath was introduced in 2021 with the aim of reducing the number of polluting vehicles entering the city. The initiative was designed to improve air quality by discouraging the use of higher-emission vehicles, but it has faced criticism since its launch.

One of the main concerns raised by opponents is the limited number of exemptions available, meaning that many individuals and organisations are required to pay the daily charge regardless of their circumstances.

For example, the following vehicles are not exempt and must pay the £9 daily fee to enter the Zone:

Critics argue that this lack of exemptions places an unfair financial burden on those who rely on their vehicles for essential services, particularly those working in healthcare, social care, and community support roles. The scheme remains a topic of debate among residents, businesses, and advocacy groups.

“The Lib Dem leadership at the council really does need to think again,” said Chris. “Surely saving lives and fighting crime is more important than the council looking for a quick way to make an extra bit of money to fill its coffers?”

The council has not yet responded to the criticism, and discussions about the policy’s impact on emergency services are ongoing.