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The UK is seeing a significant push around the introduction of clean air zones, with cities such as Birmingham expected to have them in place by July 2020. The Government has in fact mandated certain cities to introduce the zones, including Birmingham and Leeds.
Clean air zones are areas where significant action has been taken to reduce air pollution and improve air quality, by attempting to discourage the use of vehicles – particularly those that are older and therefore more polluting. Whilst in many areas domestic vehicles will be exempt, this leaves business vehicles, private hire vehicles, buses and coaches to be impacted. Daily charges are likely to be in place, in addition to penalties for failing to pay which will mean a significant cost for businesses.
There are four different classes of clean air zone and the local authority in question can decide which one to introduce.
Exemptions have been agreed for some commercial vehicles in Birmingham for example, with no charges for one year for those registered within the zone. Grants to help hauliers will also be made available. More information can be found on the council’s website for any impacted city.
Whilst charging is not compulsory, the local authority in question will impose a charge of their choice at a level that will reduce pollution, not one that will generate revenue beyond allowing them to recover outgoing costs of implementing the zones.
Fees are expected to be around £8 for cars and £50 for buses and HGVs driving through city centres, with fines of £150 for non-payment.
Taxis, cars and vans must meet the following standards depending on the fuel type:
If a vehicle does not meet the specified criteria, they can be made compliant by fitting a retrofit technology.
HGVs and coach fleets must meet the following standards depending on the fuel type:
Again, if a vehicle does not meet the criteria above, they can be made compliant with the retrofit technology.
If your business is set to be impacted by the introduction of the clean air zones and you want to look at how you can upgrade your vehicles to meet the standards, visit our commercial vehicles page. Our team of specialists will be happy to help and assist you in the various finance options available for new vehicles.
Head officeParagon51 Homer RoadSolihullWest MidlandsB91 3QJ
Paragon Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered in England number 05390593. Registered office 51 Homer Road, Solihull, West Midlands B91 3QJ. Paragon Bank PLC is registered on the Financial Services Register under the firm reference number 604551