Bradford Council announced the establishment of a £2 million fund designed to assist businesses in transitioning their vehicle fleets to environmentally friendly alternatives. The initiative was unveiled at the Scale Up Bradford event on Tuesday as part of the council’s broader Clean Air programme.
The fund will provide financial support to eligible applicants, including small businesses, charities, and organizations. Heavy-duty vehicles can receive up to £16,000 in funding, while light-duty vehicles are eligible for grants of up to £4,500. According to Bradford Council, the program aims to help organizations remain competitive while adapting to new vehicle technologies and modernizing their operations.
Reform UK council leader Stephen Place framed the initiative as addressing rising fuel costs while positioning businesses for long-term success. He highlighted the program’s potential appeal to tradespeople and emphasized the council’s commitment to supporting fleet modernization. The funding comes from the Labour government’s Zero Emission Grant Programme.
The announcement comes as fuel prices have increased significantly in recent months, with petrol currently averaging 173.2p per litre and diesel at 199.9p per litre across the UK. Business leaders have responded positively to the initiative, with Mark Casci of West Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce noting that fleet decarbonization has become a priority for many organizations driven by both customer demand and corporate responsibility considerations.
Earlier this month, Place indicated the council’s intention to phase out Clean Air Zone charges, which he stated had negatively affected businesses, though he acknowledged the process would involve complex legal considerations.
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