Bradford City Council has said that the launch of its clean air zone (CAZ) has been delayed until spring 2022.
The decision to extend the lead in period for the CAZ, which was initially supposed to be introduced in January 2022, was taken to give businesses more time to use the Clean Air Funding available and upgrade their vehicles.
It will also provide more time for council systems to integrate with the Government’s national IT infrastructure which manages all Clean Air Zones across the country.
‘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 to support them with the transition,’ said Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for Healthy People and Places.
‘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.’
