A £2 million fund could help businesses, including the district’s “tradies,” to switch their vehicles to greener engines.
The scheme was announced this week by Reform UK Bradford Council Leader Stephen Place, who said it would help businesses counter the rising cost of petrol and diesel as well as modernising their fleet.
It comes at a time when petrol and diesel prices have been described as a “nightmare” for businesses that rely on transport.
Where does the money come from?
The new funding is part of Bradford Council’s Clean Air programme, and will allow businesses to apply for up to £16,000 to improve heavy-duty vehicles and £4,500 for light-duty vehicles.
The announcement was made at the Scale Up Bradford event on Tuesday, when Cllr Place said the fund will help businesses: “Invest in cleaner, more efficient technology to future proof their operations for years to come.”
Funded by the Government, the new Zero Emission Grant Programme will be targeted at small businesses, charities and organisations.
The council says it will “provide practical support to help them remain competitive while adapting to new vehicle technologies.”
The fund is similar to a programme run by the council ahead of the introduction of the Clean Air Zone, which allowed businesses to apply for funding to upgrade their vehicles to a CAZ compliant level.
Announcing the fund at the Scale Up event, Cllr Place said: “A 55 litre tank is now £23 more expensive to fill up.
“At the same time, new vehicle technology is becoming more accessible.
“Today I’m absolutely delighted to announce the launch of a £2 million grant programme to help Bradford businesses invest in cleaner, more efficient technology to future proof their operations for years to come.
Council Leader Stephen Place announces the fund (Image: T&A)
“It will be £16,000 for HGVs and £4,500 for light vehicles. We want to help organisations to upgrade their fleets and position themselves for future success.
“I hope that this will appeal to tradies, they are the people out their every day keeping the nation moving.”
'Electricity is generally cheaper than petrol or diesel'
After the event, the council put out a statement saying: “Small and medium sized businesses, sole traders and not for profit organisations are at the heart of Bradford’s local economy and this £2 million funding provides practical support to help them remain competitive while adapting to new vehicle technologies.
“By switching to electric or other zero emission vehicles organisations can benefit from lower day to day running costs, as electricity is generally cheaper than petrol or diesel, as well as reduced maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts and less mechanical wear.
“The grants are designed to be flexible so that organisations can use the funding in ways that best suit their needs.
"Support can contribute towards a range of costs associated with switching to a zero-emission vehicle, including lease or finance payments, energy and charging costs, charging infrastructure, maintenance and licensing.
"This flexibility ensures that businesses can make the transition in a way that works for their individual circumstances."
'Costly endeavour' to drive
Mark Casci, of West Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, welcomed news of the grants.
He said: “The biggest challenge will be awareness – letting businesses know this funding exists.
“A lot of people who work in these industries are outside working all day, so making them aware of this will probably be the biggest challenge.
“It is welcomed. A lot of these types of businesses would love to decarbonise their vans and waggons.
“Every large business with a fleet is looking at this issue very carefully, it is very much on their agenda. It is the right thing to do and what customers want.
"It is driven by customer demand as well as moral responsibility.”
He hopes the grants will make it easier for smaller businesses to make these changes, adding: “It is easier to do all that if you are a larger company, if you are a small business working 16 hours a day your main objective is to get the products to your customer, and finding time and means to do this is a bit of a challenge.
“These businesses area the heart and soul of the Bradford community and the British business community.”
Speaking about the current petrol and diesel prices, he said: “It is a nightmare, there are no two ways about it.
"If you drive a car it is a costly endeavour these days, especially if you have a diesel vehicle, and there is no sign of that changing any time soon.”