Another transport scheme bungled as Newcastle Council kicks Clean Air Zone to the kerb, say Opposition Councillors
As Newcastle City Council confirms Clean Air Zone (CAZ) plans have been kicked into the long grass, Opposition Councillors are asking the Labour Administration "Do you have a grip on the issues?" The Cabinet member for Transport and Air Quality, Arlene Ainsley, has admitted that the proposals are subject to a legal challenge, has attempted to deflect blame to the Government, and cannot provide any clarity on next steps. As the Net Zero Action Plan limps forward, the Opposition has grave concerns that the Council is yet to have an overarching strategy on climate and air quality. Cllr Nick Cott, Opposition Group Leader, said: "The Government's role in botching the procurement process and providing an opportunity for a supplier to take the Council to the High Court is entirely unclear. The Cabinet Member's explanation for the delay simply doesn't wash. Instead, this looks like a simple case of the Council bungling a major transport scheme once again. "It now makes sense why North Tyneside and Gateshead Councils
