Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone is set to go live on 1 June 2021. After that date, owners of the most high polluting vehicles will be charged to drive within the city centre.

A Clean Air Zone is a place where targeted action is being taken to improve air quality – in particular by discouraging the most polluting vehicles from entering. Although no vehicle will be banned from Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone, those which do not have clean enough engines will have to pay a daily charge to travel there.

Use the government’s vehicle checker to see if you will be charged to enter the Clean Air Zone in your current vehicle.

To help SMEs prepare for these changes, Birmingham City Council has launched a £10.05m Heavy Duty Vehicle (HDV) Fund. This will provide grants of up to £170,000 to help eligible West Midlands businesses with the cost of retrofitting non-compliant vehicles, purchasing or leasing compliant vehicles, relocation, and exit lease costs.

On Wednesday 16 December (9am to 10am) Birmingham City Council’s Brum Breathes team is holding an online business clinic to talk you through the HDV fund in more detail. It will cover how you can apply, and what evidence you will need to provide. You will also chance to ask the team any questions.

You can register for free at Eventbrite.