On 29 of June 2022 an online workshop chaired by Professor Aleksandra Lis-Plesińska (AMU) and Tim Schwanen (OXF) brought together team members and policy-makers from Poland and the UK to discuss comparative approaches to clean air policy and clean air zone or zero / low emission zone projects in cities in each country. The takeaway messages were that in developing such policy it is important to listen to local residents and businesses, try to use technology and procedures that enable flexibility over time, and have a practical approach to data gathering and evidence.
Polish and British team members publish an Opinion piece in leading Polish newspaper.
Clean Air Zones, Low and Zero Emission Zones are the subject of headlines and political debate in the UK, but our work with colleagues in Poland show that Clean Transportation Zones, as they are called there, are no less controversial. Our research suggests that part of that controversy is due not to the potential impacts and benefits of these policy interventions, but how they are defined, measured and implemented. In particular, we advocate for a more experimental and participatory approach that doesn’t expect immediate and exacting results and allows for more gradual and transformative change.
The Polish article, which highlights the particular challenges faced by cities with a much older vehicle fleets and the action being taken in Krakow, can be found here.
A more general version in English is available here: Expert Comment
