Leeds allocates £23 million for Clean Air Zone project

Businesses in Leeds affected by the upcoming Clean Air Zone (CAZ) can now apply for £23 million worth of funding. Leeds’ CAZ will cover over half of Leeds city centre, with HGVs, buses and coaches set to be charged £50 per day for travelling in the zone if they fail to meet the minimum emissions standards. Taxis and private hire vehicles will be charged £12.50 per day, or a reduced rate of £50 per week if the vehicles are licensed in Leeds.

“Having received the green light for it in January, Leeds City Council is working hard to ensure the successful delivery of the Clean Air Charging Zone by January 6,” said Cllr James Lewis, executive member with responsibility for sustainability and resources. “Like most resident in Leeds, we believe that tackling air pollution to protect the health of everyone in the city is a priority.”

According to the initiative, owners and leaseholders of taxi and private hire vehicles that have been licensed with Leeds City Council for one year or longer will be able to choose between applying for either a £10,000 interest-free loan per vehicle, which can be used towards retrofitting to LPG, or a £1,500 grant per vehicle to cover transitional costs.

“With a finite amount of government funding available, we are prioritising support for owners of taxi and private hire vehicles licensed by Leeds City Council,” added Lewis.

The scheme, which will not affect private cars, vans or motorcycles, will come into effect on January 6 2020. If you want to know more, please visit this link.

27 March 2019