The boss of a coach firm has hit out at “crazy” restrictions around the Newcastle Clean Air Zone (CAZ) that have prevented him from getting funding to upgrade his fleet.
Ken Turner, director of Blyth-based Phoenix Executive Coaches, has been trying to secure grants from Newcastle City Council to help buy cleaner vehicles that would replace five specialist minibuses the company uses to transport children with special needs to school. The vehicles do not meet the emissions standards required by the CAZ, which has been in operation since January, and therefore are subject to a £50 toll if they are driven through the city centre.
Grants of up to £16,000 are on offer to help affected companies and individuals make the switch to less polluting vehicles and avoid the daily charges. Yet, despite being contracted by Newcastle City Council itself to provide home to school transport around the city, Mr Turner has been unable to get any help.
