CAZ delays in Leeds and Birmingham

The proposed Clean Air Zones (CAZs) in Birmingham and Leeds will be ‘significantly’ postponed. Councils says this is because the government will not be able to deliver the digital vehicle checking tools needed to make the zones operational in time.

They were due to come into force in January 2020. The councils expected the vehicle checker tool, which is being delivered by the government’s Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU), to be ready by October. However, JAQU has now confirmed that the vehicle checker will not be available until ‘at least’ December 2019.

Cllr James Lewis, deputy leader for Leeds City Council, said, ‘It is extremely disappointing that Leeds has been forced to delay the introduction of one of the UK’s first Clean Air Zones because of the government’s failure to meet its own commitments to the two largest local authorities.’

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said, ‘Major towns and cities cannot take the risk of introducing Clean Air Zones without having the right infrastructure and tools in place to support fleets and drivers.

‘It’s important that every effort is made to help road users understand whether their vehicle is compliant, and the government vehicle checker tool will be crucial. JAQU should not launch it until it is ready and has been properly tested, and Leeds and Birmingham have done the right thing by delaying their implementation.

‘We have been pleased to see JAQU consulting with our industry to gauge views on the vehicle checker tool and our members have welcomed the opportunity to provide feedback.

‘Last week JAQU gave a demonstration to a cross-section of BVRLA members from rental, leasing and fleet businesses and this week they are taking part in a BVRLA webinar dedicated to Clean Air Zones. They are also attending our Future Mobility Congress in July to share the portal with a wider group of members.’