A PUDSEY tradesman has hit out over how Bradford Council grants Clean Air Zone exemptions for van drivers.

Andy Wilson, a self-employed plumber and welder who lives just over the Bradford border in Pudsey, feels it is unjustified that a colleague in Rawdon is exempt from Bradford CAZ charges but he is not.

A Bradford Council spokesperson, however, has explained that businesses registered in the Bradford district can apply for CAZ charge exemptions.

Mr Wilson said: "I live in Pudsey but most of my customers are based in Keighley. I used to work for a company in Keighley but two years ago I set up my own business.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

"I bought a lovely 2013 Volkswagen Transporter van and then I was told the Bradford Clean Air Zone was going to be starting and that my vehicle was not Euro 6 compliant.

"I tried many times to get an exemption but was told that since I had a Leeds postcode I was not allowed.

"I had to sell my Transporter and find an extra £13,000 to find a suitable replacement. It was a wrench.

"Pudsey is not far away from Bradford, only a stone's throw.

"I thought this is awful. I'm going into and out of Bradford all the time.

"I've worked with local businesses in Bradford and buy the materials I need from a company there.

Mr Wilson added: "I work with a fellow self-employed tradesman in Keighley. He too owns a non-compliant vehicle.

"He actually lives in a LS postcode at Rawdon, but because he pays council tax to Bradford, he was exempt.

"He also told me he was offered a grant to help.

"His vehicle was much older than my previous one, and he can go anywhere he likes in Bradford.

"Where is the justice?"

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: "Bradford Council cannot comment on individual cases but can offer the following information: "Businesses registered within the Bradford district in the name of the applicant are eligible to apply for up to three vehicle exemptions from CAZ charges.

"Grant funding is available to replace or upgrade older vehicles for businesses registered within the Bradford district.

"The Clean Air Zone is a Government directive and as such we have to distribute the grants and exemptions in line with their directive otherwise the Government would be within their rights to claw back grant funding which had been incorrectly distributed outside the Government’s grant parameters.

"All information relating to grant eligibility and exemption eligibility can be found on our website.

"We would encourage anyone who is unsure about any aspect of the Clean Air Zone to call our team for factual advice about their specific situation on 01274 435533. We always try to help."

 

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