Clean Air Zone reminder – charges for vans begin on 17 July 2023

Van and light goods vehicle owners are reminded that Clean Air Zone charges for non-compliant vehicles start on 17 July 2023.

People are being encouraged to go online to check whether they will need to pay the CAZ charge and find out whether they are eligible for financial support towards the cost of a cleaner vehicle.

Charges for non-compliant taxis, buses, coaches and HGVs have been in place since 30 January 2023 but the introduction of CAZ fees for more polluting vans was delayed due to vehicle supply shortages.

Private cars are not affected by the CAZ and are not required to pay to enter the zone.

The Clean Air Zone was introduced by Newcastle and Gateshead councils in response to a legal order from government.

This order required action to be taken to address illegal levels of pollution, which can cause a number of health problems, particularly for children, older people and those who have existing conditions.

Cllr Jane Byrne, cabinet member for a connected, clean city at Newcastle City Council, said: “We’re reminding people with older vans and light goods vehicles that they need to be ready for Clean Air Zone charges from Monday 17 July 2023.

“There are a number of things people can do in advance – including checking whether their vehicle will be charged and checking whether their journeys cover routes within the CAZ.

“There is also still time to apply for a grant of up to £4,500 towards the cost of a cleaner vehicle.”

Anyone who has applied for a grant will receive an automatic temporary exemption from CAZ charges while they go through the application process.

More than 600 grant applications have been submitted by owners of vans and LGVs and these are being processed as quickly as possible.

Applicants are reminded that they must be able to demonstrate that they regularly carry out business within the CAZ as vehicles just travelling through the zone will not qualify.

Full details about vehicle upgrade grants can be found at www.breathe-cleanair.com/grants.

Only vehicles that do not meet national emissions standards will be affected by CAZ charges. This means vans and LGVs must have a Euro 6 diesel (registered after September 2016) or a Euro 4 petrol engine (registered after January 2006).

People can check whether their vehicle is compliant at www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones.

The daily CAZ charge for non-compliant vans is £12.50 and details on how to pay can be found at www.breathe-cleanair.com/how-to-pay.