Questions have been asked of Bradford Council as to why old buses are still being used to pick up schoolchildren when the new Clean Air Zone came into effect on Monday.

A Bradford resident, who wished to remain anonymous, has said that Euro 4 diesel buses (pre-2005) are still being used to pick up schoolchildren.

The buses are not converted due to age but are subject to the charges.

A council spokesperson said: "All bus companies have been able to apply for grants prior to the Clean Air Zone starting. Grants can be for used new vehicles but also for upgrades with retrofit equipment.

"Some companies may have taken advantage of a ‘sunset’ exemption which means they have an exemption while they are waiting for their order of a new compliant vehicle to be delivered.

"Some bus companies are going further and bringing electric vehicles into their fleet, for example Transdev will be bringing 32 electric buses in by the start of 2023.

"As with all our grants and exemptions Bradford Council have worked hard to offer an package that is fair for businesses but also demonstrates we can still meet the legal levels of air pollution required."

 

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