A financial support scheme set up to help businesses in Bristol invest in lower emission vehicles ahead of the launch of its clean air zone (CAZ) is now giving out grants to successful applicants.


The scheme, which launches on Monday (28 November) provides direct financial support in the form of a grant, interest subsidised finance, or a combination of the two to help firms avoid paying daily charges of £100.

Shire Leasing was appointed by Bristol City Council to support businesses, for which the authority has £42m in government funding to help upgrade HGVs, taxis and private hire vehicles.

It said its Bristol CAZ webpage enables eligible businesses to submit a finance application and a credit decision can be returned within eight working hours.

Diesel vehicles that do not meet Euro-6 will be charged, with the zone covering the city centre and some of the inner suburbs.

Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, said: “We are pleased to be working with Shire Leasing to support businesses through our Clean Air Zone financial support scheme.

“We have always sought to deliver Bristol’s Clean Air Zone in a way that protects those who need it the most. Bristol has secured £42 million of to help people prepare for the CAZ, the most in the country, and part of this large package of support will help Bristol businesses upgrade to cleaner vehicles, while helping us reduce dangerous air pollution and deliver cleaner air for Bristol.”

• For all the latest news and information dedicated to the decarbonisation of the commercial vehicle and road freight sector, check out our sister website FreightCarbonZero.com