How would Clean Air Zone charges work in Leeds?

The new charge would be monitored using a cameras which recognise vehicle registration plates.

Drivers would not have to pay more than once for entering the zone, as the charge would cover a 24-hour time period.

Leeds City Council reveals new plan for Clean Air Zone charges, boundaries and vehicles: Click here for more

It is believed that a national payment portal would be developed and implemented by the Government, with payments due by midnight on the day after a vehicle enters the zone. All revenue raised would be ring-fenced to only be spent on the cost of running the scheme and for more air quality improvement plans.

Daily charges for some vehicles entering Leeds ‘Clean Air Zone’ in council plan to cut emissions: Click here for more

The council’s executive board will consider the plans on June 27, and after a second consultation finishes in August, a final business case will be presented to Government in September.

The Clean Air Zone is planned to “go live” on January 1, 2020.

To be exempt from the charge, vehicles would have to comply with latest Euro 6 standards, which significantly reduce emissions from diesel engines – cutting some pollutants by 96 per cent compared to the 1992 limits, according to the AA.

Support grants worth between £1,500-£3,000 for taxis to move over to hybrid and electric models, and £13,000-£19,000 for HGVs and coaches for retrofitting, are being planned in Leeds.

The council stressed that no private vehicles driven by residents are going to be charged.

But some buses, coaches, and HGVs may also be exempt if they are one of the following: emergency services, school buses vintage buses and vehicles used by showmen.

Vehicles which are already nationally exempt – such has historic, non-road or military types – will not be subject to the charge.

Drivers who enter the proposed zone because of diversions on the roads network will not be made to pay.