Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone is set to go live on 1 June 2021 and will charge owners of the most high polluting vehicles 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.

As we reported back in December, no vehicle will be banned from Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone but those which do not have clean enough engines will have to pay a daily charge to travel there.

To help SMEs prepare for these changes, a £10.05m Heavy Duty Vehicle (HDV) Fund has been launched, providing grants of up to £170,000. Eligible businesses across the West Midlands will be able to use the funding to contribute towards the cost of retrofitting non-compliant vehicles, purchasing/ leasing compliant vehicles, relocation and exit lease costs.

There is also a range of temporary exemption permits for residents, workers and commercial vehicles available, which will allow eligible owners of non-compliant vehicles to drive them without incurring charges.

If you are part of an SME based in the West Midlands with questions about Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone you can put them to a team at a monthly online business clinic. The next one takes place on Wednesday 17 February at 9-10am.

This business clinic will talk through all of the available support in more detail, including how to apply for a grant and what evidence you need to provide to be eligible.

The clinic is free but you need to register here.

For further information visit the Brum Beathes website. For any other funding information or business support visit our Business Services pages.