Greens on Sheffield City Council have welcomed the launch of grants to help individuals and businesses upgrade their vehicles to make them compliant with the Clean Air Zone due to come into force on 27th February. There will be exemptions for Hackney Carriages and Light Goods Vehicles registered in the Sheffield area up until the 5th of June 2023. These vehicles will have nearly 6 months to apply for a grant to change their vehicles to cleaner models to be compliant with the Clean Air Zone. Private cars are exempt from the charge.
A range of grants are available from £2000 to £16000 depending on the type of vehicle being replaced or upgraded to a less polluting model. Full details are on the Council’s website (1)
Councillor Christine Gilligan, Green Spokesperson on the Transport, Environment and Climate Committee said,
“I am really pleased that the Clean Air Zone is finally coming to Sheffield, as Green Councillors have played a key role on the Council in championing the scheme, for the health of local people and our local environment. The grants to support local businesses and other vehicle owners eligible for the charge are very welcome and will ease the transition to a cleaner city.”
“It is about reducing emissions from polluting vehicles, but it is also about saving lives. Respiratory illnesses are well documented in our city, with over 500 deaths per year attributed to poor air quality and its impact on a range of conditions (2). Young children with developing respiratory systems and frail, elderly people are particularly vulnerable to polluted air. This is why Greens have pressed hard against attempts to delay the introduction of the Clean Air Zone.”
References
2 – More information about the Clean Air Zone | Sheffield City Council
