The government has backed plans to delay new tolls on high-polluting vehicles in Newcastle city centre until 2023.
Council bosses announced in July that they were planning to put the long-awaited Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charges on hold until next year, but needed the approval of ministers to do so. Civic centre officials have now confirmed that the latest proposal for the CAZ has been signed off, giving motorists and businesses until the end of January to get ready for the tolls of up to £50 per day.
The restrictions will mean that lorries, buses and coaches that do not comply with modern emissions standards will have to pay £50 per day to drive into the city centre. Non-compliant vans and taxis will be charged £12.50 per day, but all private cars will be exempt.
