Sheffield City council will roll out financial support measures from December 12 next year before the Clean Air Zones launch in February 2023.
The financial support measures will be available in either the form of a grant, an interest-subsidised loan, or a mix of the two.
The council has put support in place due to the cost-of-living crisis, potential incoming changes to taxi licensing in Sheffield, as well as the current difficulties when it comes to buying an LGV that is compliant with the zone’s rules.
Councillor Julie Grocutt, Co-Chair of the Transport Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said:
“We understand that this scheme will affect people and businesses in a variety of ways, and we have successfully pressed Government for extra financial support, recognising the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on our city.
“As a result, we have secured one of the best financial packages of any local authority. “
There will also be financial help available for eligible businesses and residents to upgrade to cleaner vehicles, as well as temporary local exemptions from charges until June 2023 for both Hackney Carriage Taxis and LGV’s.
Coun Grocutt added: “We are committed to doing all we can to limit the public health implications such as permanent damage to children’s lungs, strokes, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.
“We cannot ignore these damaging effects and must implement important schemes such as the Clean Air Zone for the benefit of our city.”
Clean Air Zone go-live date
From Monday, February 27, 2023, the Class C Clean Air Zone will begin charging non-compliant vehicles.
Charges will apply to the following vehicle types that do not meet the minimum standards when entering the Clean Air Zone boundary:
- Taxis, including both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles, which are below Euro 6 Diesel or Euro 4 Petrol standards
- Light goods vehicles (LGVS) such as vans, campervans and pickup trucks and minibuses which are below Euro 6 Diesel or Euro 4 Petrol standards
- Buses and coaches which are below Euro 6 Diesel standards
- Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) which are below Euro 6 Diesel standards
Private cars will not be charged.
