02 Mar Motor Expert Shares Advice For Those Facing The Prospect of High Clean Air Zone Fees
Sheffield has become the latest city to introduce Clean Air Zones in certain areas to help tackle pollution and save the lives of an estimated 500 people who die from pollution-related causes annually.
Sheffield’s new ‘CAZ’ charge doesn’t apply to private car drivers or motorcycle riders – but it does affect those behind the wheel of the most polluting taxis, vans and lorries.
Taxis or light commercial vehicles (LCVs) which fall below the ‘Euro 6’ diesel or ‘Euro 4’ petrol emissions standards will pay £10 per day, meanwhile coaches, buses and HGVs will be charged at £50 per day.
And Daren Jasper, Head of Commercial Vehicles at Select Van Leasing, says that while clean air zones are a step in the right direction when it comes to greener motoring, and better living, he says the ‘enormous’ strain on tradespeople must not be forgotten in the conversation.
He argues: “We’re seeing the introduction of more and more clean air zones across the country, with a scheme for Greater Manchester also currently under review.
“These zones are, of course, integral when it comes to reducing air pollution and improving air quality in our most populated regions. It’s a way of life all motorists must prepare for in the future.
“But the impact on tradespeople will be enormous, and must not be forgotten when we’re discussing the roll-out of clean air zones.
“Tradespeople have to access cities every day of the week and rely heavily on their vehicles to carry equipment or goods. And don’t forget that without these tradespeople, the economy grinds to a halt.
“We should be doing all we can to continue to support them in the roles they’re fulfilling.
“What’s concerning are reports that there’s currently a shortage of affordable used vans that comply with the Euro emissions for sale in the UK.
“And it’s here where leasing a vehicle might be an option for many businesses looking to avoid the CAZ charges in Sheffield, or in other cities that operate a clean air zone.
“We should also be urging tradespeople to consider switching to zero emissions electric vehicles.
“In June last year the Government earmarked £300 million in grant funding for sales of electric vans, taxis and motorcycles – with up to £5,000 off the cost of a large van.
“Those grants also work to lower the cost of leasing an electric van. In the vast majority of cases, this reduction in cost is already built-in to any ‘on the road’ price with the finance companies in order to keep the lease payments lower.
“And it’s my view we need better awareness about just how cost effective an EV light commercial vehicle can be for many people.
“The range between charges for electric vans is also improving all the time, making these vehicles a viable option for more and more businesses.
“As clean air zones become more ubiquitous, we anticipate a sharp rise in firms switching to EV fleets – and we’d urge businesses to explore what’s on offer.”
