Bristol Clean Air Zone: What grants and loans are available for new vehicles

Bristol City Council has outlined grants and loans available for owners of non-compliant vehicles ahead of the launch of the city’s Clean Air Zone next summer.

The city council has secured £42m for grants and interest-free loans to reduce the cost of replacing vehicles that would be charged up to £100 to enter the CAZ.

The money can be used to buy a new or second-hand vehicle that meets the zone’s emissions standards.

The grants and loans that are available are as follows:

Eligible residents and businesses will be able to apply for the maximum grant or the maximum loan.

The council said it would pay the interest on all loans.

The Clean Air Zone is viewed as controversial by some residents, many of whom live on the edge of the CAZ and could be charged for simply travelling from one side of their road to the other.

But Bristol is one of several towns and cities mandated by the government to tackle air pollution and the CAZ looks to be firmly going ahead.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “We have always said we don’t want a Clean Air Zone to detrimentally impact the finances of those on low incomes or businesses that have already had a difficult two years.

“That’s why we have worked hard to get the best deal for Bristol which includes £42m for people to get cleaner vehicles.

“We have also increased the limit for those deemed on a low income from £24,000 to £26,000. This will rise to £27,000 in spring 2022, so more people are eligible for this funding.

“I urge everyone to go online, enter your registration number and find out if you’re compliant.

“If your vehicle will be charged to enter the zone then contact us to find out what help you can get with either exemptions, an interest free loan, or even a grant which you don’t pay back.

“You don’t need to buy a brand new electric car which are unaffordable for most people – it could be as simple as going to your local second hand dealer and upgrading your 2003 car for a 2006 one.”

Residents and businesses can register their interest for financial support at bristol.gov.uk/cleanairzone where they can also find out more about the zone and check their vehicle.

The council said it would put individuals and businesses in touch with finance providers in the new year.

A range of exemptions will also be available and all residents in the zone with a vehicle that doesn’t meet its emission standards can apply for an exemption giving them until the end of 2022 to upgrade their vehicle.