Temporary exemptions for Bristol's Clean Air Zone have been extended to the end of March next year, the city's mayor has confirmed. The exemptions were originally due to finish at the end of 2022 - which would have meant they were only in place for just over a month.
The CAZ will be launching on November 28 - over a year late, with the scheme initially due to come into force in October 2021. The temporary exemptions will be in place for certain eligible groups such as residents in the zone, people working within the zone and earning less than £26,000 a year as well as Blue Badge holders.
Patients and visitors attending hospitals in the zone would also be covered by the exemptions. Applications for the exemptions - which will end on March 31, 2023 - are due to open this month and you can find out more on the council's website here.
Read next: Bristol Clean Air Zone timeline: the story so far as start date finally announced
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees wrote in his blog: "This week we have reached an important milestone: three months to go until the launch of Bristol’s Clean Air Zone on November 28. Its introduction will be another big step forward on our journey to creating a healthier city with cleaner air for all.
"We’ve sought to introduce Bristol’s Clean Air Zone in a way that protects the most deprived households in our city as well as our trades and businesses. That is why we’ve secured over £42 million to support the switch to cleaner vehicles, alongside wider support with the national cost of living crisis.
"I also know that many people will need more time to prepare for the zone which is why we’re offering temporary exemptions to help make this change easier. I’m pleased to announce that the government have agreed to our request to extend the temporary exemption period until the end of March 2023. Applications for exemptions will open in late September.
"We’re helping Bristol’s businesses and residents prepare for the zone with our financial support schemes. Almost three-quarters of drivers won’t be charged because their vehicles already meet emissions standards, and many businesses have already upgraded their fleets to cleaner vehicles."
Thousands of people have applied for financial support ahead of the launch of the CAZ. As part of the scheme, residents and businesses will be able to get grants and loans to change their vehicles, with the maximum grant for cars being £1,500 and for vans being £4,500.
Back in June, Bristol City Council said it has received more than 3,800 applications for financial support. Under the Clean Air Zone, charges would be set at £9 a day for smaller vehicles and £100 for larger vehicles.
Bristol City Council is legally required to introduce measures to cut harmful air pollution from vehicles driving in the city centre.
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