Bradford Council: £2.5 Million in Clean Air Zone Grants Remain Available

Approximately £2.5 million in grant funding remains accessible to drivers in Bradford interested in purchasing “cleaner” vehicles, according to the local council. Charges for drivers of the most polluting vehicles to enter the city centre have been in effect since the implementation of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in September 2022. To decrease the quantity of non-compliant vehicles and enhance air quality, Bradford Council allocated £31.8 million from government funding to this grants program. The authority indicates that funds for approximately 350 vehicle owners are still unclaimed. The council stated its encouragement for all eligible individuals to apply for a grant to upgrade their vehicles. Data from Bradford Council shows that over the past two years, more than 4,625 grants have been disbursed to vehicle owners for investments in cleaner vehicles, encompassing 520 grants specifically for fully electric vehicle upgrades. The council reported a reduction in the proportion of non-compliant vehicles operating within the district, decreasing from 4.6% of all journeys in summer 2022 to its current level of 1.2%. Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for healthy people and places, commented: “We are seeing a real improvement in the cleanliness of the vehicle fleet driving around Bradford.” She added: “This is thanks to the vehicle upgrades from residents, businesses, transport operators and licensed taxi companies.” Ferriby also stated: “Since the launch of the CAZ, the number of GP appointments for respiratory and cardiovascular-related illnesses has reduced.” A council spokesperson indicated that residents and businesses are eligible to apply for grant funding for a CAZ-compliant vehicle until all remaining funds have been distributed.