Newcastle’s Clean Air Zone grant funding of £10 million is largely unspent after two years. Eligible owners are encouraged to apply for financial help of up to £16,000.
Newcastle: The Clean Air Zone has £10 million in grant funding that hasn’t been used. This money is meant to help people replace their old, polluting vehicles.
The grant program started over two years ago. It aimed to support drivers and businesses in upgrading to cleaner vehicles. However, most of the funds are still sitting unused.
Since November 2022, the government provided £15 million for this initiative. The goal was to help owners switch to compliant taxis, vans, and buses before the tolls began in January.
So far, only 1,141 grants worth £4.7 million have been paid out. There are still 608 approved applications worth £3.9 million that haven’t been claimed yet.
Some businesses felt left out because they couldn’t prove they entered the Clean Air Zone often enough. The rules changed in 2024, making it easier for more vehicles to qualify for funding.
Coun Juna Sathian from Newcastle City Council said they want to help local businesses and improve air quality. She encourages eligible owners to apply for the remaining funds.
Gateshead Council’s Coun John McElroy also supports the funding. He wants more compliant vehicles on the road to reduce pollution.
The Clean Air Zone charges older vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards. Private cars are exempt from these charges, which aim to lower pollution levels.
For more details on eligibility and how to apply, check the Newcastle Clean Air Zone website.
