From 30 January 2023 in Newcastle, older and more polluting taxis, buses, coaches and HGVs will be charged to enter the upcoming Clean Air Zone (CAZ).
CAZ regulations will not affect privately-owned cars, meaning drivers will not have to pay fees. Older, polluting vans will not face charges until July 2023.
Newcastle City Council has said that financial support is still available for people and businesses who will be affected by the CAZ. This includes grants to support individuals with the cost of replacing or upgrading non-compliant vehicles.
Under current rules, anyone who has submitted a grant application will receive a temporary 120-day exemption from CAZ charges while their application is processed and they wait to upgrade their vehicle.
Permanent and short-term exemptions for certain vehicle types are also available, as well as discounts on CAZ charges for taxi drivers who are registered in Newcastle, Gateshead or North Tyneside.
Cllr Jane Byrne, cabinet member for connected city at Newcastle City Council, said: “There’s not long to go before the launch of the Clean Air Zone and we’re reminding people who are affected, if they haven’t done so already, to find out about the support available to help them upgrade to a cleaner vehicle with lower emissions.
“This will reduce the number of older, more polluting vehicles on our roads, helping to improve our air quality and protect people’s health.”
The CAZ is being implemented by Newcastle and Gateshead councils to improve local air quality and protect residents’ health.
The CAZ will cover the majority of Newcastle city centre, in addition to routes over the Tyne, Swing, High Level and Redheugh bridges.
