Van drivers face threat of pollution charges in Portsmouth

If you drive a van you could be charged to travel in Portsmouth’s clean air zone next year.

The government says Portsmouth needs a clean air zone (CAZ) and current proposals do not include a charge for vans.

However, due to the uncertainty brought about by coronavirus, central government has indicated it may require the charging of vans to meet air quality objectives, according to Portsmouth City Council.

The council is now urging the public to have their say and “help create the right type of zone for Portsmouth” by taking part in a consultation, open until 11.59pm on Wednesday, August 26.

“We will be asking some questions about light goods vehicles in the questionnaire so that we can understand how to help drivers of these vehicles if government change their decision about the class of charging CAZ needs in Portsmouth,” said a spokesperson for the council.

Areas of Portsmouth have levels of nitrogen dioxide that are likely to continue to be above legal limits unless strong action is taken quickly. Each year around 100 deaths in Portsmouth can be linked to air pollution.

Portsmouth’s Clean Air Zone must be live before the end of 2021 otherwise Portsmouth City Council could face multi-million pound fines.

The proposed CAZ, approximately 3km2, will be located to the south west of Portsmouth.

The charging Clean Air Zone will result in a daily charge being issued to the most polluting vehicles for driving in the zone – these vehicles are referred to as ‘non-compliant’ vehicles.

For the Portsmouth charging CAZ, non-compliant vehicles are HGVs, buses and coaches, taxis and Private Hire Vehicles that:

Do not meet Euro 6 emissions standards (so are Euro 5 or older) if they are diesel
Do not meet Euro 4 emissions standards (so are Euro 3 or older) if they are petrol

Take part in the consultation at portsmouth.gov.uk/cleanairzone

Contact Gi Portsmouth
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk