Sheffield sets date for Clean Air Zone launch

The South Yorkshire city is set to go-live with an emission reducing scheme, becoming the latest in an increasingly long list of UK areas implementing such measures. 

Sheffield has announced a date for the launch of its Clean Air Zone (CAZ), with activation set to begin on Monday 27th February 2023. 

Once live, charges will apply to all taxis and light goods vehicles (LGVs) – including vans, campervans, pickup trucks and minibuses –  rated below Euro 6 Diesel or Euro 4 standards. Buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) below Euro 6 Diesel standards will also be liable to pay to enter the CAZ.

However, LGVs and taxis will be exempt from charges until 5th June 2023 due to the cost-of-living crisis, potential forthcoming changes to taxi licensing, limited supply of compliant LGVs and sheer volume of LGV applications that need to be processed. Financial support for anyone impacted by the new costs will be made available from 12th December 2022, with details of various support packages on offer published the same day along with more information on localised exemptions.

‘The Clean Air Zone is a necessary intervention to protect current and future generations in our city from the effects of exposure to NO2 emissions. While we are legally mandated by Government to introduce it, it is a scheme we completely support,’ said Cllr Julie Grocutt, Co-Chair of the Transport Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee. ‘We are committed to doing all we can to limit the public health implications such as permanent damage to children’s lungs, strokes, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.

‘We cannot ignore these damaging effects and must implement important schemes such as the Clean Air Zone for the benefit of our city,’ she continued. ‘We understand that this scheme will affect people and businesses in a variety of ways and we have successfully pressed Government for extra financial support in an effort to support Sheffielders to make this transition, recognising the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on our city. As a result, we have secured one of the best financial packages of any local authority.’

Last year, Sheffield became the home of the UK’s first ever EV battery recycling facility. 

Image: Harrison Qi