Slough Borough Council is to look at the feasibility of introducing a clean air zone (CAZ) after the approval of the Slough Low Emission Strategy (LES).

The LES, which forms part of the Slough Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) lays out a year-on-year plan to improve air quality over the period to 2025 through a reduction in vehicle emissions by accelerating uptake of cleaner fuels and technologies.

Rob Anderson, cabinet member for environment and leisure at the council, said: “The council has developed a low emission strategy which supports our transport strategy in targeting reductions in vehicle emissions across the borough.

“The health and wellbeing of our residents and the people who visit and work in Slough is paramount and we can make great improvements to our local air quality if we work together towards a shared vision.

“We are committed to making immediate and long lasting improvements to our environment and we’d like residents and businesses to help us deliver our plans to create a low emission future for Slough.”

Under the LES, the council will:

• Raise awareness of vehicle emissions and their impact on air quality and health
• Look at the feasibility of introducing a CAZ in Slough which could potentially set emission standards for taxis, buses, coaches, lorries and vans
• Develop a low emissions pathway to 2025 in partnership with local bus operators
• Promote the development of alternative refuelling infrastructure for buses and freight vehicles
• Provide co-ordination in supporting the uptake of ULEVs and developing charging infrastructure to support growth through the Slough Electric Vehicle Plan, including the introduction of a Borough-wide Electric Car Club
• Work in partnership with Heathrow to develop connected ultra-low emission hubs and corridors
• Work in partnership with Highways England to reduce the impact of emissions from vehicles on the M4 motorway