Drivers of non-compliant goods vehicles, vans and private hire vehicles will soon be subject to new car tax laws that will incur daily charges for motorists who enter the Clean Air Zones.

To assist motorists in avoiding these charges, local councils have opened application windows for individuals and small business owners to apply for funding to help ease the financial burden of upgrading their vehicles.

An official statement from Bradford Council read, “The grant application window is now open to support the replacement or retrofit of non-compliant vehicles to clean air zone standards and to assist with the ongoing running costs of electric vehicles.” as reported by Express.

How to work out your car's tax band ahead April 2022https://t.co/npbnLxw8jQ

— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) January 2, 2022

“The window for the HGV and buses has now closed. There is still some funding available for taxis, LGV and minibuses available on a first-come first-serve basis.

“Grants will be available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Sole Traders/self-employed, education establishments and charities registered within the Bradford Metropolitan District.

“Grants will not apply to businesses with more than 250 staff (other SME criteria may also apply).”

“Grant funding cannot be applied retrospectively.”

“Therefore, if you intend to apply for a grant or exemption please wait to hear the outcome before making any purchase decisions.”

While the window is closed for HGV drivers in Bradford, Manchester HGV’s are still able to apply. 

The Express reports that other vehicle drivers, such as sole traders and the self-employed, will soon be able to apply for funding in Manchester with grants becoming available later this month.

A statement from Clean Air GM said, “We have more than £120million of Government funding to help eligible Greater Manchester businesses, organisations and people switch to cleaner, compliant vehicles.”

“The Clean Air Zone Financial Support Scheme will help people to either replace or retrofit non-compliant vehicles so that they meet emissions standards.”

“Funding will initially be targeted to support micro-businesses, sole traders, the voluntary sector and private owners to upgrade to compliant vehicles.”

“Financial support will be available as a lump sum grant, contribution towards vehicle financing, or a combination of the two.”

“The amount of support available will depend on the vehicle type and size.”

(H/T Express)