CAZs can boost Christmas sales

Clean Air Zones (CAZs) can help to boost Christmas sales, according to analysis conducted by the Clean Cities Campaign. 

Data compiled by the coalition found that policies that target the use of the most polluting vehicles could increase sales. For instance, in Madrid, spending increased by 8.6% in the area covered by the CAZ compared to 3.3% in the city overall during the 2018 Christmas period. 

Data shows that when such policies are combined with strong active transport investments, the results are even more positive. 

In London, after walking and cycling improvements were made on high streets and in town centres, retail vacancy was 17% lower than in other areas, analysis in 2018 found.

Contrary to what shop owners may think, customers who walk, cycle or use public transport also tend to spend more than car drivers. In Berlin, customers who walk, cycle or use public transport tend to spend more than car drivers, contributing 91% of total weekly spending this year.

Oliver Lord, UK Head of Clean Cities Campaign, said: ‘Fewer polluting cars could bring cheer to our high streets this Christmas and help businesses to recover. City leaders across the UK should roll out Clean Air Zones to benefit our health, the climate and our economy as soon as possible.’

Roberta Fusco, Interim Director of Policy and Communications, Living Streets said: “When streets are regenerated to boost walking, there is a corresponding impact on turnover for local businesses. For our high streets to thrive again we need to ensure they are welcoming for people walking and wheeling. Better crossings, clutter-free pavements, and more places to stop and rest can all help transform our streets to places where people want to spend time.”