Birmingham Clean Air Zone is Up and Running
Most Birmingham companies by now are aware that the council plans to introduce a ‘clean air zone’ in 2021 to meet the government’s request for a ‘greener city’. Although the details are being finalised, it will affect all businesses who trade within or have employees travelling within the A4540 middle ring road. We have been preparing for this congestion zone in Birmingham’s city centre so that we’re in the perfect position to help you get it right.
From mid-2021, many cars currently driving in or out of this area, and over half the commercial vehicles utilising these routes, will have to pay a daily charge to enter the congestion zone. This will be a major challenge for business; both from an operational perspective, where you need to move goods, but also from a recruitment/retention perspective, as your employees may need to make alternative arrangements. For example, this could include a new car, but it could also include a new employer with a different location.
What Does it Mean for Drivers?
This is not London but it will likely follow much of the same blueprint. We are expecting ANPR cameras and signage on entry. It can be expected that the congestion zone will grow in the future. From 2021, anybody taking a car over the A4540 will have to pay a fee of £8 if they drive petrol registered before 2006 or a diesel registered before 2015! That’s half the cars on the road today. Most worryingly, unlike London, there really isn’t a viable public transport alternative in many cases. Councillors are on record stating that public transport in the city is ‘not fit for the purpose’ and the timescales to resolve this is probably over 5 years away.
How Does This Impact Commercials?
The timing of this couldn’t be worse, many companies are tied into contracts where they have to deliver to the city centre with no room to renegotiate based on this new overhead. Especially with the growth and expansion in the city. However, it has been stated that once you have paid once for the day, there is no limit for driving in the area.
How Can I Minimise Impact?
There are many things you can do but the time to act is running out. Electric vehicles are moving forward at a great pace and are absolutely viable for commercial and personal cars for many. You can even introduce schemes where you open up electric vehicles to employees from payroll deductions, offering them huge savings. The charging infrastructure is developing in Birmingham but funding is available for charging at home or work. If you have older commercial vehicles you can also retrofit them to comply with the restrictions. Although, you need to work out if this is more economical than replacing them or hiring when needed.
How Can Fleet Evolution Help?
We are a Midlands based business, GoUltraLow accredited, and members of the low carbon vehicle partnership. We are experts in greening company fleet and employee motoring. You can find out more about greening your fleet here.
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