[ad_1]
Small business owners admit they have to use their savings to pay for new vans that will fit into Bristol City Council’s upcoming Clean Air Zone (CAZ).
Nick Dowling took over the family business Dowling Business Solution eight years ago in 2014 from his father, who founded it in 1980. The Brislington-based company has one of his 2015 Euro 5 Diesel model vans. Nitrogen oxide up to 180mg/km. Exceeds his CAZ limits allowing Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol) cars, taxis and vans.
Mr Dowling faces either a fee of £240 a month, almost £3,000 a year, or a £20,000 security deposit for another van that can enter the CAZ.
“The council has made it very difficult for us as a small business to continue trading. I can’t do this with my van, so I’m drowning in my savings to cover the cost of a new van.
“Currently the vehicle is in good condition and has less than 50,000 miles on it, but like me and my wife, I cannot live without the van for both work and home life, so I am going to sell it and take a big financial loss. You need it for personal use.
“Another problem that the Clean Air Zone creates is getting rid of it. you have to turn.
As part of a £32m government package to help companies upgrade their fleets, officials have said up to £4,500 will be available for vans. However, this is used to redeem used vehicles from dealers approved by the council’s “financial partners”.
The city council website says:
“The funds can be used to trade in vehicles and purchase used vehicles from dealers approved by our financial partners.”
Nick Dowling asked the council and its mayor, Marvin Rees, to talk with traders about how the CAZ is impacting them and what rules could be amended to avoid bankruptcy. I called to discuss.
he said: There seems to be little help for small businesses. Everyone agrees on the idea of improving air quality for the environment but fuel costs, material costs and living costs are rising and now he has a month to buy a new one . Face a £9 charge for a vehicle or a day – that’s ridiculous.
“Owning 10 vans makes sense, but I’m a South Bristol business owner with 1 vehicle. Fortunately I can afford to spend my savings, but many people cannot do so, and customers will soon find their prices inflated to cover these factors.”
[ad_2]
Source link
