Portsmouth City Council, in anticipation of Clean Air Day this Thursday, is celebrating 99 per cent of their vehicles in the Clean Air Zone meeting emissions standards by offering free bus travel across the city.

Portsmouth’s Clean Air Zone was established in 2021 and enforced limits on emissions. Since then, over 99 per cent of chargeable vehicle entering the zone now meet emissions standards, displaying a marked improvement in Portsmouth’s air quality.

Through the Government’s ZEBRA scheme, Portsmouth City Council has introduce 62 electric buses, as well as improving bus services and schedules.

The council have additionally made walking and cycling more accessible through schemes like the Active Pompey Neighbourhood programme, and 320 new on-street vehicle chargepoints are set to be installed to provide infrastructure for EV owners without driveways.

Portsmouth International Port is also making steps towards net zero, by introducing a UK-first shore power system that allows ships to plug in while docked, significantly reducing pollution.

This week, Portsmouth City Council is expected to approve plans for 59 new EV charging bays across the city, as part of the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS).