Bristol's clean air zone (CAZ) has come into force and businesses in the city are being urged to apply for financial support to help with the cost of replacing non-compliant vehicles. The CAZ is aimed at cutting air pollution in the city centre, with charges in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Bristol City Council confirmed one business had already secured a £6,000 grant through its Financial Assistance Scheme. The scheme, which was first announced in October, is aimed at helping companies and individuals in Bristol with interest-subsidised finance and grants, or a combination of the two.
The money received by the business was administered by independent funder Shire Leasing on behalf of the local authority.
Julie Henehan, corporate development director of Shire Leasing, said: “We’re thrilled to bring our experience to support Bristol businesses in making greener and affordable improvements. Being from Bristol myself, I’m delighted that the city is one of the first in the UK to offer financial support to ease the transition to greener vehicles.
"As a tried and tested funder in this space, we look forward to supporting many more businesses in and around Bristol upgrade through our simple processes with support from our knowledgeable and friendly team.”
Bristol City Council has been awarded £42m in government funding to upgrade HGVs, LGVs, taxis and private hire vehicles so they are cleaner and comply with the CAZ. The funding for businesses is available on a first-come-first-serve basis, the local authority added.
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees said: “Part of this large package of support will help Bristol businesses upgrade to cleaner vehicles, while helping us reduce dangerous air pollution and deliver cleaner air for Bristol."
The first CAZ outside of London was launched in Bath last year. Bristol’s CAZ plans were formally backed by the government in 2021, with funding made available for greener transport initiatives in the city, including electric bike loans, free bus tickets, and upgrades to cleaner vehicles.
Business can check if their vehicle is exempt from the CAZ charges on the local authority's website.
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