Green Motoring Expert Demands Improved Clean Air Zone Framework in the UK

The UK’s first Clean Air Zones (CAZs)are due to launch in 2021. The country’s leading green motoring solutions expert is speaking out to challenge the inconsistencies across the new framework. Fleet Evolution, a motoring-focused benefits specialist, are demanding improved clean air zone framework. They believe that greater consistency across the scheme, improved knowledge of Clean Air Zones, and more options for alternative business travel are essential if the initiative is to deliver real results.

The first Clean Air Zone in the UK is due to launch in Bath in March 2021. However, Bath will be only a ‘Class C’ CAZ city. This means that buses, coaches, taxis, heavy goods vehicles, vans, and minibuses are required to pay a charge. Well, if they do not meet the emissions standards, that is. Cars, however, will be exempt. The second Clean Air Zone will launch in June. The scheme is to be rolled out across Birmingham. As the UK’s first ‘Class D’ city, car drivers will need to pay £8 per day if they exceed the emissions threshold. Yet, those who use their vehicles for work purposes can apply for an exemption.

Fleet Evolution Believe that this Proposed Framework will Fail to See Success

They cite a lack of consistency across cities. As well, a willingness to exempt employees as significant flaws in the plan. In a bid to implement widespread change and address the gaps in the Clean Air Zone framework, Fleet Evolution has introduced a number of its own schemes. This includes their Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme which promotes improved awareness of green motoring.

“The plan to introduce Clean Air Zones across the UK is definitely a step in the right direction. Similar schemes in Milan and Paris are already proving to be highly effective. However, the current framework here in the UK will struggle. It fails to include cars used for business purposes, including commuting,” says Andrew Leech, Founder and Managing Director of Fleet Evolution. “Businesses need to see that green motoring does apply to them. Not only in terms of meeting the Government’s CO2 goals but also in terms of employee satisfaction.”

What Do Workers Think About Clean Air Zone Framework?

Fleet Evolution surveyed employers and employees across 5,000 small and medium-sized enterprises during September 2020. The results showed that while 97% of employees support Clean Air Zones, just 38% of employers do the same. This disconnect between employers and employees holds the potential to significantly affect employee satisfaction. This may increase the risk of turnover, as workers actively seek to work for businesses which share their beliefs.

Fleet Evolution’s longstanding salary sacrifice motoring scheme works in a similar way to childcare vouchers. It is providing workers with an opportunity to sacrifice a portion of their salary to save up to 45% on motoring costs with a low emissions vehicle. The motoring expert believes that their scheme could greatly help to raise awareness of Clean Air Zones. It would also encourage those outside of CAZ cities to take a more environmentally-friendly approach to travel, as well as providing firms with an attractive benefit to offer new and existing workers.

Interested in going electric to prepare for those CAZ’s? Get Fleet Evolution’s guide to the Electric Revolution below!