Threat to firms from clean air zones

ALMOST four in 10 small and medium businesses in England are unaware they may face charges when clean air zones (CAZs) are introduced, a survey suggests.

The schemes are set to be introduced in some towns and cities – including Birmingham – from next year and could involve fees for all but the least polluting vehicles.

Daily charges will be as much as £100 for lorries and £12.50 for taxis and vans.

Leeds, Derby, Southampton are Nottingham, also mandated to bring in CAZs by 2020. London has its own ultra low emission zone coming into force next year.

Research commissioned by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) found 38% of small and medium businesses which use vehicles are unaware the zones may involve charges.

The trade association’s chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “Unless more is done to publicise the impact of these various clean air zones and mitigate their impact, hundreds of thousands of businesses across the country will be hit with a new regional road transport tax that will bring additional cost and confusion at a time when firms are already dealing with Brexit-related economic uncertainty. We are particularly concerned about truck operators.”

The BVRLA wants councils to acknowledge many firms operate in multiple cities, and called for phased charging for lorries so the most polluting pay a higher fee.