Thank you for contacting me about clean air zones.
Clean Air Zones are designed to improve air quality, by encouraging upgrades to cleaner vehicles. It is not the same as a Congestion Charge Zone, where all or most vehicles are charged to drive. For this reason, the Government has been clear that interventions such as a CAZ should be delivered as soon as possible, as they are essential to improving our future air quality and public health.
Vans, buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, minibuses and heavy goods vehicles that do not meet emission standards would pay a daily charge to travel in the zone. Private cars, motorbikes and mopeds are not included.
Under the Transport Act 2000 the net proceeds of any charging schemes made under the Act can be retained but are only available to the local authority for the purpose of facilitating the achievement of its local transport policies. For example, this can include promotion of cycling and walking and other sustainable transport alternatives. Local authorities are required to give an indication of their plans for use of net proceeds in the Charge Scheme Orders that establish their road user charging schemes.
I know that tackling high pollution levels is a serious challenge for communities across the UK, which is why the government is supporting them to take action. I appreciate your concerns about the implementation of Clean Air Zones and I will ensure that local officials and ministerial colleagues are aware of such concerns.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.