Car tax changes: Clean Air Zone fees are set to become 'tougher' in many cities
CAR TAX changes will make driving fees "tougher" in cities across the UK, according to leading experts.
Birmingham: Clean Air Zone signs seen across the city
Specialists at Lex Autolease said new Clean Air Zone charges will “inevitably” increase as more cities get involved in the scheme. Speaking to Fleet News, Ashley Barrett, Head of Consultancy at Lex AutoLease said increased rates was an “important reminder” for drivers.
They urged drivers and businesses to consider clean technology to ensure they stay ahead of any “restrictions”.
They said: “As we drive towards net-zero, CAZ charges will, inevitably, become tougher as they come into force in cities across the UK.
“It’s an important reminder for fleets to continue to consider the latest and cleanest technology in order to stay ahead of any potential low-emission restrictions.”
A poll conducted by Fleet News found more than two-thirds of drivers were already operating vehicles within a Clean Air Zone.
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Meanwhile, 72 percent said they did expect to run vehicles in charging areas soon.
Just one in 20 said they had received help from local Government to comply with the new regulations.
Almost one-third of drivers said they were upgrading their vehicles to be compliant with the new emissions rules.
A total of four percent said they had chosen to retrofit their vehicles to avoid charges.
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However, 17 percent said they were prepared to pay the Clean Air Zone charges despite facing massive bills.
Long lead times were blamed for compounding the problem as manufacturers deal with semiconductor shortages.
Almost two-thirds of businesses said long lead times for new vehicles would impact their ability to operate within a Clean Air Zone.
One firm told Fleet News that “many companies" will be affected by the semiconductor shortages.
They added many firms would not be able to “renew”their vehicles as a result of the problems.
London’s ULEZ expansion is the next Clean Air Zone project to launch in 2021 in a move set to impact thousands of residents.
Birmingham and Bath have also introduced Clean Air Zones in 2021 due to rising pollution rates.
Other major UK cities are also exploring Clean Air Zone schemes which could be launched over the next few years.
Manchester is expected to launch its Clean Air Zone scheme aimed at private hire vehicles, buses and Heavy Goods Vehicles by the Spring of 2022.
Scotland has plans to have four Low Emissions Zones in operation by 2022 with expansion to Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee.