The introduction of the Clean Air Zone in Bradford has been delayed until Spring 2022, the Council has announced today.

The scheme, which was meant to go into force in January, has been put back several months to allow businesses more time to use the Clean Air Funding available and upgrade their vehicles.

In addition, a new £1.7m fund to increase the electric vehicle grants available for taxis has been introduced.

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places said: "The Council has had a lot of positive feedback from businesses who are being helped to upgrade their vehicles. 

"However, there is a national shortage of compliant vans and lorries, with many companies reporting delays into next year for the delivery of their new vehicles.”

"We have also taken into account the potential impact that new COVID restrictions could have on businesses as they adapt to the CAZ. This extended lead in period to the implementation of the CAZ will therefore assist businesses in making preparations.”

The Council has also recognised that some taxi companies may be struggling to upgrade their vehicles and will be launching a taxi scrappage scheme early in the New Year.

This means they will be able to opt for an electric taxi with increased £10,000 grants from the new taxi fund.

The Council has already confirmed that, after extensive lobbying, Government has allowed the daily charge for non-compliant taxis entering the CAZ to be reduced from £12.50 to £7, making it the lowest daily charge in the UK.

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places said: “The Government has directed that Bradford district should have a Clean Air Zone and subsequently the Council has administered millions of pounds worth of grants to businesses.”

The Council has provided funding to ensure that all buses accessing the CAZ will be compliant, with further plans to introduce electric buses in the District.

The Bradford Licensed Taxi trade has achieved 60% CAZ compliance so far and is constantly improving with increasing numbers of taxi owners taking advantage of the grants on offer.

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places said: “I want to thank Bradford Licensed Taxi trade for all they are doing to make the air cleaner in Bradford district. 

"With many successful grant awards we are making significant progress. The new funding available alongside the extended lead in period means that there are more opportunities for taxi owners to apply for increased grants if they wish to upgrade to an electric vehicle.

“The Council is providing the most extensive exemptions programme of any CAZ authority, with businesses and residents allowed to exempt certain vehicles."

A further £7.4m of funding has been provided which will see heavy goods vehicles (HGV) registered in the District being upgraded to CAZ standard.

The aim of the CAZ is to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels and improve air quality across the District, as quickly as possible. Health research in Bradford shows that the largest health benefits will be felt by the poorest communities in the City.

All information regarding the Bradford CAZ, including information about grants and exemptions, can be found on the Breathe Better Bradford website.