Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone
We’re assured that it definitely isn’t a ‘congestion charge’, but clean air zone charging is almost certainly going to be coming to the Greater Manchester area and could be here as soon as next spring. What this will mean, based on the latest information, is that if you’re driving a commercial vehicle that isn’t Euro 6 compliant, you’ll be charged daily for driving it within designated clean air zones, with van drivers likely to be charged £10 per day just to drive within them. Enforced by fines up to £120 on top of the CAZ charge if left unpaid. Naturally, our entire van hire fleet is Euro 6 compliant, so our customers have nothing to fear!
Given the number of penalty notices we already have to redirect on a daily basis for Dart Charges, London LEZ/Congestion Charge and Merseyflow etc, we know just how easy it is to get caught out, so this is likely to hit business users in the pocket. For the sake of balance it’s worth pointing out that the stated aim of the charge and the penalties isn’t to make money, but this is likely to come as no comfort at all to businesses whose drivers accidentally stray into an area or forget to pay on time.
Clean Air Zone – Is Now The Time To Upgrade to Euro 6?
There’s no denying that low air quality has a direct impact on people’s health and modern vehicles are made to minimise, or in the case of electric vehicles, completely eliminate harmful emissions. For businesses however, especially those who’ve already been impacted by innumerable factors beyond their control, the prospect of having to comply with yet another set of punitive rules, no matter how well intended is likely to make business owners fear for their cashflow.
Thankfully, the proposals at the time of typing, aren’t quite as far reaching as those seen in London. Where the London Congestion Charge and the Low Emissions Zone charge, combine to cost around £25 per day even for car users. The price is far higher still for commercial vehicles.
If you’re operating commercial vehicles which were manufactured before September 2015, (when the Euro 6 standard was introduced), then you might want to investigate your options. It’s possible to get Euro 6 conversions for any older vehicles you might have which don’t meet the standard, but given that even the newest pre Euro 6 vehicles will be 5 or 6 years old now, you’re probably better off upgrading to a newer vehicle.
A new or newer vehicle, as well as being younger in terms of years and miles, will also have all the latest driver aids. They’ll also cost less to run in terms of fuel as well as costing less in terms of maintenance. If you were waiting for a push to upgrade your vehicle fleet then this might just be the impetus you need. Whatever your vans are worth today, they’ll be worth less tomorrow and a lot less in a years time, so why not act now?
Beat The Rush To Rental – Hire A Clean NEW Van For Less TODAY!
If you’re currently driving a van that falls below the clean air zone requirements, then the time to act is now. The closer we get to the Manchester clean air zone charges being implemented, the greater the demand for Euro 6 compliant vans for sale will get as well as demand for new van hire. Added to this, the prices you’ll get for your old van are likely to drop as they become too expensive to run due to the new charges.
When you can hire a brand new van from us, with prices starting from as little as £9.60 per day, why would you pay £10 per day just to drive your old one? Especially when you consider that if you’re buying from us we’ll give you a fair part exchange based on current market value, or if you’re hiring from us we’ll buy your old van off you, leaving you with extra cash in your business as well as a brand new van to drive away in.
Don’t let the Manchester Clean Air Zone charges hit you in the pocket, get the best price for your old van now, cut your costs and improve your image with Westwood!
