SME fleets operating around Birmingham need to consider the suitability of their cars and vans following the introduction of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ), effective 01 June 2021.
Birmingham has launched a Class D zone CAZ, which means Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol) standards must be met for cars, vans, minibuses, taxis, and private hire vehicles. More details can be found at www.brumbreathes.co.uk.
Already identified as one of the top challenges facing fleets over the next five years, Birmingham headquartered ATS Euromaster – a provider of tyre and maintenance services – says that with further cities due to add CAZs in 2021 and 2022, more SME fleets should change their fleets to be CAZ-compliant or face paying access charges.
ATS Euromaster suggests options include upgrading to an electric vehicle, which may also provide whole life cost savings – read our feature How Businesses And Company Car Drivers Benefit From Going Electric.
Van drivers who cover 65 miles a day, five days a week, could save up to £4,210 a year in fuel, taxes and CAZ charges if they swap to an electric model, compared with a non-compliant diesel-powered vehicle – read our feature Why SME Van Fleets Should Go EV.
Mark Holland, Operations Director from ATS Euromaster, said:
“Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone means companies with high-polluting vehicles will be charged to enter these areas from June, but SME fleets can both avoid these payments and improve our surroundings. Upgrading your vehicles to meet the minimum requirements – such as adding EVs to your fleet, for instance – will not only reduce running costs, but also improve air quality.”
Mark added:
“We’re one of the many businesses based in Birmingham, so we’re fully aware of the potential financial impact the CAZ may have – but we also know the positive effect it will have on our staff’s wellbeing, as well as ensuring the quality of the air Birmingham residents breathe is greatly improved.”
Advice For SME Fleets Operating Around Birmingham
-
Register for payments on gov.uk/clean-air-zones.
-
Companies that manage two or more UK-registered vehicles can set up an account
-
Check if any of the company’s fleet vehicles are eligible for exemptions. These may include disabled passenger tax class and disabled tax class vehicles, plus any vehicle retrofitted with technology accredited by the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS)
-
Inquire about any temporary exemptions that may apply to the company or employees – people who work within the CAZ, commercial vehicles registered within the zone and commercial vehicles with existing finance agreements are eligible in Birmingham
-
Investigate any financial incentives that may be available, including local support schemes
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Why not join the conversation on SME fleets – visit our LinkedIn SME Fleet Discussion page
