Clean air zones have been running around the country since March 2021 when Bath launched their car tax scheme. Birmingham followed shortly after in July and Portsmouth launched their clean air zone in November.
At the same time, London expanded its ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) in October, with many drivers criticising the expanded area and costs associated with it.
More zones are expected in the coming months with clean air zones (CAZ) in Manchester, Bristol and Newcastle and the rollout low emission zones (LEZ) in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Oxford are also planning on launching the trial of their zero emission zone (ZEZ) which looks to charge most vehicles which produce emissions.
New data shows that over 87 percent of businesses believe they will be impacted by the growing number of clean air zones across the UK.
READ MORE: How drivers can avoid huge parking fines with legal loophole
“Europcar Mobility Group UK commissioned research of 300 fleet managers across the UK to understand their knowledge of clean air zones and how they planned to adjust and adapt their businesses.
“This report examines the findings, with the aim of providing today’s fleet managers with some useful insights into building a flexible fleet that does not put cashflow or capital expenditure under pressure when preparing for the clean air zones.”
A further one in five are unaware of the different rules for different zones, which could lead to thousands of businesses being fined unknowingly.
Charges for larger vehicles like HGVs differ significantly from private vehicles and taxis, with some CAZ areas charging £50 or £60, while London’s ULEZ charges £100.
Because of this, Paul Willcox, managing director of Vauxhall, called for more clarity between the different clean air zones to make it easier for motorists but keeping the aim of lowering emissions as the focus.
He said: “Clarification for permissible vehicles allowed to be used within these different zones are inconsistent and confusing for many.
“Greater clarity is needed from the Government, and a single nationwide policy to simplify the rules and restrictions would benefit consumers more than current individual city policies.
“Vauxhall estimates it will achieve cost parity between electric and combustion vehicles later this decade.
“Until then, the Government needs to help ensure buyers are not priced out of electric vehicle ownership.”
Most vehicle owners have looked to the future regarding what their next car or van may be.
This is especially relevant with the 2030 ban of the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, the 2035 ban on hybrid sales and the proposed ban on new diesel lorries from 2040.
The report found that 41 percent were considering purchasing compliant vehicles in the future outright to ensure they face no extra costs.
A further 40 percent considered leasing and upgrading to compliant vehicles as a suitable next step.
Almost two-thirds of employers plan to extend their use of public transport or shared mobility to counter the growing number of clean air zones.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Automobiles News Click Here
