#Bristol's CAZ: From Clean Air to Clean Wallets.

"Money for Nothing" (But Definitely Not Chicks for Free).

Bristol. This vibrant city where the air is as thick with political maneuvering as it is with… well, whatever it is we're supposed to be cleaning up. Our beloved City Council, those paragons of fiscal responsibility, have decided that the modest £9 daily fee for entering the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) simply wasn't cutting it. Apparently, inflation, that sneaky little gremlin, has been nibbling away at their revenue streams, and they’re choking on their organically sourced, carbon monoxide-free, nettle teas.

Now, you might think, "Surely, raising fees would generate more money?" Oh, you sweet, naive soul. According to the council's own financial wizardry, this hike will magically produce an extra £200,000 in a couple of years, only to vanish like a politician's promise by 2028/29. Because, you see, everyone will have shiny, CAZ-compliant vehicles by then, or maybe we will all just teleport, who knows.

The esteemed online commentators at ‘Bristol Live’ have, as always, provided invaluable insights. Yes, those online commentators, those brave souls who dare to type their opinions into the digital void, have been predictably vocal. Stnick, bless his cotton socks, points out the obvious: "Poor people tax, not everyone can afford a new car." Ezergood, ever the optimist, retorts that "The truly poor don't have a car to begin with," conveniently ignoring the fact that many working-class individuals rely on vehicles for their livelihoods.

PieMan01, with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, declares, "So the council voted to get themselves more money? What a total shocker!" Robofbristol, meanwhile, suspects the CAZ is less about clean air and more about "raising revenue to cover the unnecessary expenditure of a mismanaged council." He then points out the proposed park street road scheme (yes, that one….again), as another example of this mismanagment.

Capigij, bless their soul, thinks measures implemented yesterday have already resulted in a healthier environment.

Grockel1, Jbbb53, and Bmw all raise valid points about the financial burden on working people, the council's shifting stance on the CAZ, and the inadequacy of public transport. Bmw, in particular, highlights the plight of disabled individuals who rely on their cars. And of course they will get more money, as Fisherman19 points out, "money for nothing now the infrastructure’s there."

AdvisoryService101, ever the alarmist, demands an "outright ban of the dirtiest vehicles," conveniently ignoring the practical realities of everyday life. And Dis1954, with a touch of historical accuracy, reminds us of the council's "debts well over a billion pounds," the legacy of "decades of failed labour policies and mad Marvin and his cohorts."

So, there you have it, folks. Another day, another example of Bristol City Council's creative approach to fiscal management. Remember, in Bristol, breathing clean air is a luxury, and driving a car is a crime. And they will get "money for nothing" while we get, well, nothing. Though surprisingly, to some perhaps, absolutely no mention of ‘Chicks for Free’!