Bristol’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) has now been running for six months. It was introduced on 28 November last year to help protect residents from the harmful effects of air pollution. We have a moral and legal duty to deliver cleaner air, and its introduction has been a big step forward on our journey to creating a healthier city for everyone who lives and works here.
We sought to introduce the CAZ in a way that protects the most deprived households in our city, as well as our trades and businesses, by offering financial support schemes. Around four out of five vehicles being driven in the zone already meet the requirements, and are not charged anything.
We have already allocated almost £15 million to help people upgrade to a vehicle that won’t be charged to drive into the zone. Over 600 vehicles have already been replaced, and we expect around 3,000 to be upgraded thanks to this grant funding.
We have now received an additional £11 million from government to help provide more financial support to people who want to upgrade their non-compliant vehicle. This doesn’t have to be a brand new or electric vehicle – it can be second hand as long as it meets the zone’s emissions standards.
This new pot of money will allow us to support individuals who earn under £30,000 a year – raised from £27,000 to help more people during the national cost of living crisis and will allow businesses with larger fleets to apply for financial support for more than five vehicles.
People who meet the new criteria will be able to apply for the funding in the same way as they have been doing so far via the expression of interest form on the council’s website.
National government set legal limits for pollution, and we have introduced a Clean Air Zone to ensure Bristol meets those limits within the shortest possible time. You must pay to drive within the zone if your vehicle does not meet the zone’s emission standards, unless you are exempt. Following the ending of the extended temporary local exemptions on 31 March, a few exemptions remain.
We also have free active travel offers available to anyone that lives or works in Bristol. This includes bike and e-bike trials, cycle training, VOI e-Scooter credit, bus and train taster tickets, and car club credit. These offers are a great opportunity for people in Bristol to try out new ways of travelling that are better for their health, wellbeing, and the environment too. Changing just a few of your journeys each week can make a big difference. Apply on our website now to receive your free travel offers.
If you need advice or guidance about the Clean Air Zone, you can contact our team of advisors who are always happy to help. Take a look at the information on our webpages or give us a call on 0117 903 6385.