Clean Air Zone won’t be delayed despite problems
CLEAN Air Zone charges are still likely to be introduced in central Birmingham in the summer as planned, despite online chaos over vehicle checks, the city council said.
Birmingham City Council issued a new statement after it was announced last week that the launch of the Clean Air Zone was to be delayed due to a serious malfunction with the government’s online vehicle checker.
Motorists from across Birmingham have complained after finding they would incur a charge for cars that should be compliant according to guidelines.
Some claim to have bought new vehicles only to be told they would still have to pay.
City leader Councillor Ian Ward said that the Clean Air Zone would not be introduced into Birmingham until at least six months after issues with the checker had been fixed, allowing motorists plenty of time to find out whether or not they are compliant.
An official date for when the vehicle checker will be fixed has not yet been released by the Department for Transport, which is responsible for its operation.
However, in a new statement the council suggested the vehicle checker could be fixed sooner rather than later, with the charge still planned to be launched in the summer.
A city council spokesman said: “The government has recognised the teething problems with its Clean Air Zone vehicle checker and is working to iron out any issues as quickly as possible. Once those issues are resolved, there needs to be a period for motorists to check and prepare – and it has been suggested that this be a six-month period in fairness to all concerned.
“This remains in line with the previously-stated CAZ launch estimate of summer 2020.
“The key message is that if you are driving a Euro 4 petrol vehicle or Euro 6 diesel your vehicle will be compliant with Birmingham’s CAZ.”
The council said those who feel they have got the wrong result from the checker, should contact the government’s help desk through the vehicle checker, or call 0345 873 6070 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.