Bristol City Council has agreed a £42m package of support with the government. The support scheme is designed to significantly reduce the final cost of either replacing or adapting vehicles that don’t meet the zone’s emission standards.

For many individuals or businesses, upgrading to a vehicle that meets the zone’s emission standards could be a cost-effective alternative to paying the charge over the longer term. Financial support will be a grant or a contribution to interest on a loan. Maximum grants are £1,500 for cars and £4,500 for vans.

Eligible residents and businesses will be able to apply for the maximum grant or the maximum loan. The council will pay the interest on all loans. Priority will be given to individuals, sole traders, charities and small businesses located in the Bristol City Council area and neighbouring areas, or with premises in the Clean Air Zone.

WHAT BUSINESSES CAN APPLY FOR LOANS AND GRANTS?

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and self-employed people based or working in the zone will be prioritised for business grants.

To be an SME you must meet at least two of the following conditions:

• the annual turnover must be no more than £36 million
• the balance sheet total must be no more than £18 million
• the average number of employees must be no more than 250

Bristol City Council may extend the support packages to other businesses and organisations outside the zone depending on the level of interest in our first round of loans and grants.