A report from 2021 suggested that a Clean Air Zone would help Blackpool slash its pollution levels and promote public transport. Blackpool Council declared a climate emergency two years earlier and is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions and 100 percent clean energy use by 2030.
Around 19 percent of the emissions released in the popular tourist destination came from transport, just under the 23 percent contributed by industries.
The council maintains that there is currently no proposed Clean Air Zone and never has been, according to Lancashire Live.
Despite this, proposals from Blackpool’s Climate Assembly suggested that the Council should implement a form of Low Emission Zone by 2027.
In addition, it called for making public transport and walking the primary ways of travelling, as well as welcoming more electric vehicles.
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A recently launched petition, from resident William Banks, is calling for all suggestions of a Clean Air Zone or Low Emission Zone to be blocked.
He claimed a form of emissions-based charging would “destroy small businesses” and “marginalise the poorest of our society”.
There are no proposals set out by the council on where a potential emissions-based charging zone would be introduced and which areas of the town it would cover.
Williams Banks suggested that a Clean Air Zone would worsen congestion and lead to higher emissions rates in surrounding areas.
Parking would also be affected, he claimed, adding that it would “make our streets dangerous places for our children”.
Mr Banks wrote: “This is a stealth tax for those who live, work and visit Blackpool.
“Say no to this stealth tax. Say yes to responsibly defending our Town. Sign the petition to stop a clean air zone charge in Blackpool.”
In response to the fears of a new Clean Air Zone being created, Jane Hugo, cabinet member for climate change and environment on Blackpool Council, eased concerns.
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The councillor for Talbot, said: “I want to reassure people that while this was a suggestion put forward at the Climate Assembly, it was dismissed by the executive.
“We want to address climate issues, but not in a way that would cost people money, especially in a town where many are already struggling financially,” she told The Gazette.
Councillor Hugo said the Council was looking at other solutions, including encouraging active travel and introducing electric buses.
The petition currently has around 450 signatures, with most needing 10,000 to get a response from the Government.
If the petition were to breach the 100,000 signature mark, it would be considered for debate in Parliament.
One signatory, Theresa Ferguson, left a comment about why she was supporting the petition and protesting any Low Emission Zone proposals.
They said: “We live on the coast, our air is already clean. This is just another stealth tax and I don’t agree.”
As part of the town’s Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy, the Council is looking to provide an additional 210 charging stations to account for the needs of visitors and residents.
This is another step forward for the town in lowering pollution rates by giving drivers the confidence to switch to an electric vehicle.