Going live: Sheffield Clean Air Zone launches today

The South Yorkshire city has become the latest in a growing list to activate a charging scheme for certain vehicles. 

As a Class C zone, tariffs are now applicable to the most polluting models of heavy good vehicles (HGVs) and light goods vehicles (LGVs). Vans, buses, coaches and taxis are also eligible when driving within the inner ring road and designated city centre area.

Hackney Carriage taxis are currently exempt, but will be liable to pay from 5th June 2023. This policy is automatically applied. Businesses based in Sheffield and neighbouring Rotherham that operate LGV fleets are also able to apply for temporary exemption, which would mean they too will only be charged from the beginning of June.

For those that do have to pay, the charges are:

*£10 per day for vans, LGVs and taxis

*£50 per day for coaches, buses and HGVs

Financing options are now available for anyone looking to upgrade to vehicle models that do not fall under the charging criteria. The first of which focuses on proof of eligibility. Residents of the area can apply for up to three vehicles of different types, but each individual vehicle must have s separate application. Retrospective applications are not possible, so it is vital to wait for approval before making any purchasing decisions.

Full details of the grant system can be found here.

The UK currently has more low-emission schemes in cities than almost any other country – only Italy and Germany have more in operation. In total, more than 300 charging zones are now in place across Europe, with plans for around 200 more by 2025.

Image: William Navarro