Taxi drivers in Bradford encouraged to apply for up to £5,000 from council's ‘Clean Air Taxi’ grant
Owners of hackney carriage and private hire vehicles in the Bradford district are being encouraged to apply for grants to help make sure their vehicles meet new Clean Air Zone standards.
Bradford Council has been directed by the Government to reduce concentrations of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) through the introduction of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ), due to start in the district next year.
In response, Bradford Council successfully bid for just over £10m worth of Government grants to help taxi owners to switch to cleaner vehicles, including electric hybrid and pure electric vehicles.
The Bradford Clean Air Taxi Programme (CAT) has the highest level of grants available for private hire vehicles out of any of the proposed Clean Air Zones in the country and the council believes this will help tackle air pollution, as well as improve the health of residents in the district.
Private hire vehicles could get grants of up to £3,200 for wheelchair accessible vehicles, and hackney carriage drivers can get grants of up to £5,000.
The CAT Programme will distribute almost 3,000 grants which can go towards upgrading vehicles to cleaner versions. A quarter of the grants are for taxis looking to switch to electric vehicles with grants available to help cover their running costs for the next 2 years.
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Councils’ portfolio holder for Heathy People and Places, said: “We have been working with drivers and companies in the district to make sure we can deliver the best package of measures for this important service in our district.
“These grants will give them choice in how they best prepare for the Clean Air Zone - whether that is switching to a second hand hybrid or getting a newer electric vehicle.
“By making these changes, not only will they be making their working environment cleaner and healthier, but they will also be helping to improve the health of everyone in the district.
“With one in five children having a breathing difficulty in Bradford, it is essential they apply for these grants as soon as they can.”
The grant scheme is now open: more information can be found on the Breathe Better Bradford website.
All Bradford licensed taxis can also now operate up to 15 years of age from date of first registration if kept in good condition. 15 years only applies if the vehicle is CAZ compliant. Currently licensed vehicles that do not meet CAZ requirements have a maximum age of 10 years (12 if wheelchair accessible).
