Bristol charity asks for help to pay Clean Air Zone charges
Suicide Prevention Bristol says it will struggle to pay when the CAZ comes into force on Monday
A Bristol charity that aims to help people suffering a mental health crisis, has revealed it will struggle to pay the city's Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charges when they come into force on Monday (November 28).
Suicide Prevention Bristol sees teams of volunteers' patrol known hot spots all around the city, aiming to help people in distress.
They use a mix of cars and vans to get around and in a post online say the vehicles are not exempt from the zone's charges, meaning they could face a £6,046 annual bill to continue their work.
"The current costs for two vehicles to enter the Clean Air Zone will be £18 per day, £126 per week, £504 per month, £6,046 yearly," a post on the Just Giving page reads.
"Unfortunately, charities do not fall under any of the exemptions for the Clean Air Zone and we're unable to find any other way to cover the cost.
"Sadly, without being able to cover this cost, we will be left with no choice but to refuse some call-outs in the city centre due to the costs.
"We currently find most of our call-outs are to high risk locations in and around the city centre."
Plans for the CAZ have been in the pipeline for years, as the City Council has a legal obligation to reduce air pollution levels in the city.
Its introduction has been delayed several times but will finally come into force on Monday, meaning non compliant cars and vans will face a charge of £9 a day to enter the zone.
For lorries, coaches and buses, the fee will be £100.
The charges will apply to non-compliant vehicles regardless of whether they are private, or business related.
However, vehicles will be exempt as follows:
- Charges will not apply to Euro 4, 5 and 6 petrol vehicles (roughly 2006 onwards)
- Charges will not apply to Euro 6 diesel vehicles (roughly end of 2015 onwards)
Automatic number plate recognition cameras will be used to keep track of vehicles entering and exiting the zone and will automatically register a charge for those that are non compliant.
However, drivers will not be told if they have entered the zone in a non-compliant vehicle.
Instead, it will be up to them to realise and pay the fine, either online or over the phone.
Though Suicide Prevention Bristol says it is not eligible, the City Council has secured £42 million of funding from the government to provide financial support for residents and businesses.
You can register for support via this link.
We have asked the City Council if it will comment on Suicide Prevention Bristol's position.
You can find out much more about the CAZ here.