A heavily-delayed Clean Air Zone (CAZ) could finally come into force in Newcastle city centre later this year – but with tolls for high-polluting vehicles put on hold until 2023.
Tyneside council bosses have revealed a new proposal that would see the controversial CAZ begin this November with drivers of non-compliant vehicles issued with warning letters only, before financial penalties are then imposed gradually next year. The system, designed to bring down illegal levels of roadside air pollution, had first been due to start in January 2021 and was then pushed back to July of this year before being delayed yet again.
Under it, lorries, buses and coaches that do not comply with emissions standards will have to pay £50 per day to drive into the city centre, while non-compliant vans and taxis will be charged £12.50 per day. All private cars will be exempt. It has been feared that imposing the tolls now would have a devastating impact on poorer residents and small businesses already battling a cost of living crisis.
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