A unique vehicle asset finance framework has been developed by Bath and North East Somerset Council as it prepares to launch one of the country’s first charging Clean Air Zones (CAZ).

The CAZ will launch in central Bath on November 4th following almost two and a half years of extensive work to introduce a scheme that brings the council in line with nitrogen dioxide (NO2) limits by the government’s 2021 deadline. To lessen the zone’s impact – and to ensure air quality targets are met – local businesses will be able to apply for financial support in the form of grants and interest-free finance specifically to upgrade polluting vehicles that would otherwise be charged in the zone.

The council is currently inviting tenders from FCA registered finance companies to administer the financial assistance scheme, with the intention of establishing a framework of up to twelve providers that can also be used by other councils setting up a charging CAZ or other forms of road user charging or enforcement schemes.

By participating in the framework, other councils will be able to quickly and cost effectively add financial support packages to their own schemes, while tailoring the package to their own requirements. For example, Bath’s class C CAZ does not include charges for private cars, however the frame-work agreement has been carefully designed to accommodate the needs of local authorities introducing a class D CAZ.

The framework was developed with experts in the vehicle asset finance field and meets all local and central government regulations.

More information about Bath’s CAZ can be found at: www.bathnes.gov.uk/Bath CAZ