Sheffield clean air zone: Protesters gather in city centre over council plan

Since the announcement of the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and the charges it will bring, some Sheffield business owners have shared concerns of the pricing. A flyer handed out at the protest today read: “Many small business owners simply cannot afford to absorb the CAZ tax.”

Consumers have also voiced concerns for the additional price they may have to pay when the CAZ comes into place on February 27. Publicity in advance of the protest suggested “this will increase what you’re currently paying for things” and the leaflet provided today (February 4) states: “Even if you don’t drive, CAZ charges may be passed on to consumers by deliveries, trades, public transport and more.”

The protest was arranged in a Facebook group called ‘Campaign against chargeable clean air zone Sheffield’, which rapidly grew to around 4,500 members. When The Star left the protest just under an hour after the advertised start time, it appeared there were roughly 100 people in the crowd.

The CAZ is being implemented by Sheffield City Council from February 27, 2023. All heavy and light goods vehicles, vans, buses, coaches and taxis that drive within the inner ring road and city centre will be charged if their vehicles do not meet emissions standards. Personal vehicles are not included and are exempt from charges and there is currently no indication from Sheffield City Council this will change.

Charges run at £10 per day for vans, LGVs and taxis and £50 per day for coaches, buses and lorries or HGVs. Vehicles are identified by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and the council have already started sending out advice letters to drivers, using the system.

One local business owner at the protest spoke with The Star for the above video. He said his business operates will into the city centre and uses large vehicles, which will be charged £50 per day if they come within the CAZ once it’s implemented. The man also voiced concerns over the congestion it would create in city suburbs if business try to circumnavigate the zone.