Clean Air Zones delayed to 2021

Air Quality

The Government has delayed the introduction of clean air zones in Birmingham and Leeds until 2021 because of Covid-19. 

The cities had planned to introduce their CAZs this summer. 

Business organisations such as the Freight Transport Association had been lobbying for a delay.

Environment minister Rebecca Pow has now written to the FTA to say that the CAZs will not be implemented until at least January next year.  

Natalie Chapman, the FTA’s head of urban policy, welcomed the news. “With the industry focusing all its attention on ensuring the public, supermarkets and other retailers continue to receive the essential items they need during the pandemic, logistics businesses simply do not have the resources to dedicate to preparing for the imminent introduction of CAZs.

“In addition, supplies of technology, equipment and trucks are being disrupted by the pandemic, making it harder for businesses to upgrade their fleets to meet the emission standards required of the schemes.”