Fleets that use telematics are being urged to help the Joint Air Quality Commission ahead of the introduction of charging clean air zones (CAZs) next year.

The Drive in a Clean Air Zone research team is looking for fleets to take a short survey on their use of Telemetry systems across the UK.

The researchers are keen to understand more about how these systems are currently used, particularly in conjunction with geofencing and notification systems, to track the whereabouts of vehicles.

Results will be shared with Fleet News, and will give valuable insight to the team’s understanding of fleet management processes in relation to existing road charging schemes, and their plans for the management of charging CAZs.

Manchester and Birmingham’s plan for CAZs are progressing, with Birmingham City Council approving a new air quality action plan for public consultation, last month.

It includes a Class D CAZ, meaning drivers of all vehicles will be charged, including cars, if they do not meet the latest emissions standards. No date has been set for its introduction.

Meanwhile, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is developing a CAZ vehicle finance scheme to fleet operators of non-compliant vehicles ahead of the introduction of its CAZ in spring 2022. 

Up to £120 million of Government funding will be made available by way of grants and contributory finance to provide support to around 30,000 affected owners and operators to replace HGVs, LGVs, taxis, private hire vehicles, coaches and minibuses.

Leeds City Council announced it was suspending the introduction of its CAZ while it re-assesses the air quality issues in the city, last month.

If the city’s air pollution levels remain below legal limits, then the council will no longer have the crucial support of Government to introduce its CAZ.

Days after Leeds announced its review, Bristol City Council said it was looking at alternative options to improve air quality and may revers its decision to introduce a CAZ.

To take part in the Drive in a Clean Air Zone research, click here. 

Closing date is October 13.

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