Rotherham's proposed Clean Air Zone to cost £2.885m

The plans would be linked with Sheffield’s, and would see a number of changes introduced in a bid to reduce emissions which contribute to a number of health problems.

A report to Rotherham Council’s cabinet states that the scheme will cost £2.885m, which will be financed with government grants.

The projects are expected to be completed during 2021-23.

If the scheme goes ahead, the speed limit on the Rotherham section of the parkway would be reduced from the national speed limit to 50MPH.

Work has begun to widen the Parkway to three lanes, between Catcliffe and J33 of the M1, but the lanes themselves will be narrower – leading to the speed limit reduction.

HGVs would be restricted to one-way on Wortley Road, from Bradgate Park to Junction 35 of the M1, and buses would be diverted from from Rawmarsh Hill to Barbers Avenue

The Wortley Road restriction aims to redirect traffic to Junction 34 of the M1, removing traffic travelling uphill, where large good vehicles tend to produce more pollution.

Rotherham Council is looking to secure an agreement from government that it would not take back the funding if they deemed the scheme to be “none-compliant with the grant conditions”.

The report, which cabinet will discuss at their next meeting on March 22, states that the risk of the government looking to claw back the cash is “very low”.

The scheme has been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and a number of “potential areas of review” have been identified relating to scenarios for demand for travel and impacts on air quality.

RMBC and SCC are still undertaking work on the full business case prior to submission and full approval by government.