Anglo Scottish Asset Finance has been appointed by Newcastle City, and Gateshead Council to deliver the financial assistance scheme for fleets affected by the introduction of Newcastle’s clean air zone (CAZ).

The CAZ goes live from January 30, with non-compliant lorries, buses and coaches charged £50 to enter the zone, while the worst polluting vans and taxis will be charged £12.50 per day.

Petrol vans and taxis that meet ‘Euro 4’ standards are exempt, as are ‘Euro 6’ diesels. All HGVs, buses and coaches must be of ‘Euro 6’ standard to avoid the toll.

Financial support is being provided in the form of a grant to help reduce the cost to businesses to replace non-compliant vehicles and avoid paying a daily charge for driving in the city centre.

Taxis, including Hackney carriage and private hire vehicles can qualify for a grant of up to £3,500; wheelchair accessible taxis, including Hackney Carriage and private hire vehicles up to £4,000; light goods vehicles up to £4,500; heavy goods vehicles up to £16,000; and buses and coaches up to £16,000 is available.

The initiative is funded by the Government’s Clean Air Fund, to help businesses to upgrade non-compliant vehicles, as well as to educate businesses and individuals on how to switch to more sustainable forms of transportation.

Established in 2007, Anglo Scottish is an independent finance broker, providing a range of financial services across the UK including asset finance, business loans, as well as personal vehicle solutions, and vehicle sourcing.

Anglo Scottish has previously worked with Bath and North East Somerset, and Bristol councils to develop similar schemes for both cities, helping more than 400 businesses to replace non-compliant vehicles.

Its clean air zone services include grant application assistance towards the acquisition of new compliant vehicles, retrospective grant applications for vehicles already purchased, financing to spread the cost, and vehicle sales/part exchange facility to source and replace their existing vehicles.

David Foster (pictured), MD at Anglo Scottish, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Newcastle City and Gateshead councils to support businesses in becoming clean air compliant.

“As a north east based business, we already deal with many companies who regularly drive in and out of the city centre, and the Anglo Scottish team is in a fantastic position both in our expertise and geographical location to be able to support all affected businesses with our one-stop-shop solution of grant assistance, cost-effective finance, and vehicle sourcing to reduce the pressures on businesses”

A spokesperson for Newcastle and Gateshead councils, said: "Poor air quality has a serious impact on people’s health and one of the ways in which we are seeking to address this is by introducing a clean air zone.

“This will help to reduce harmful emissions by encouraging individuals and businesses to upgrade and replace older, higher polluting vehicles – with financial assistance available to help towards the cost of doing so.

“We’re pleased to be working with Anglo Scottish to deliver these funds to local businesses.”

Fleets can find out if they are eligible for help by visiting Newcastle and Gateshead councils dedicated Breath-Clean Air website.