Many local authorities have been considering implementing Clean Air Zones (CAZ) for the past ten years, but the arrival of Covid-19 has thrown many of their plans into disarray. Many schemes were put on hold in 2020, and the government was forced to make further modifications as a result.
FuelCards.com have gathered the current updates for the Clean Air Zone Schemes and what this means for your business.
Birmingham
Now live
On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, Birmingham’s Class D Clean Air Zone became operational. It applies to all roads inside the A4540 Middleway Ring Road, and non-compliant vehicles, taxis, and vans will be fined £8 per day to enter the zone, while HGVs, coaches, and buses will be charged £50.
However, there was considerable uncertainty during the introduction when Birmingham City Council announced a two-week deferral of payments due to concerns about a lack of information and understanding about the charges.
Bath
Now live
Bath has established a Class C Clean Air Zone, which implies that private vehicles and motorcycles will not be charged, even if used for work. All hybrid cars and fully electric vehicles are compatible.
HGVs from Euro 1 to V diesel and Euro 1 to 3 petrol will be charged £100 per day, while vans from Euro 1-5/V diesel and Euro 1 to 3 petrol will be charged £9.
London
Plans to widen the zone in October
With the implementation of a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) that encompasses Greater London within the M25, London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone will extend to include all areas from central London up to, but not including, the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205) from October 25, 2021.
HGVs, vans, and other speciality vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes and buses, minibuses, and coaches weighing more than 5 tons and currently operating in the ULEZ are exempt from the fee. The Euro VI LEZ emissions standard is a requirement for all of London.
Drivers of non-compliant automobiles, motorbikes, and vans (under 3.5 tonnes) must pay £12.50 to enter the zone, while larger vehicles must pay £100. Non-payment, unregistered non-compliant cars, inaccurate vehicle data input, and late payment penalties range from £160 to £1,000.
Bristol
Launches in October 2021
Bristol City Council has announced that a Class D Clean Air Zone will open in central Bristol in October, with more polluting business vehicles and private automobiles being charged to enter.
Non-compliant gasoline and diesel vehicles, vans, and HGVs will be fined £9, while HGVs will be fined £100. Cars built before 2005 and diesel vehicles produced after 2014 are mainly free from taxes, while anyone earning less than £24,000 per year can apply for a one-year exemption.
Manchester
Delayed until 2022
Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone will now open in 2022 after submitting final plans by the local council this summer.
From spring 2022, there will be a daily fee of £60 for HGVs, buses, and coaches and £7.50 for taxis and private-hire cars. From 2023, vans and minibuses will be charged a daily fee of £10.
Your business needs to be aware of the clean air zones its area of operation to ensure your business complies with the current laws and regulations regarding carbon emissions and different fuel types.
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