The move from Sheffield city council to scrap their clean air financial assistance scheme to upgrade to electric buses has been met with backlash.

The scheme was first introduced in December 2022 to support drivers of LGVs, HGVs, taxis, coaches and buses. It aimed to either upgrade the vehicles or replace them entirely so the drivers would not be charged the clean air zone fines.

Councillor Ben Miskell, chair of the transport, regeneration and climate policy committee said: “We all have a responsibility to change, to protect the environment around us and take us that step closer to cleaner air and healthier lives for local people.”

In total the council has paid out £6.9 million for upgrades to vehicles and they have replaced an additional 1754 cars. However, the council said in a press release that the scheme was never meant to be permanent.

However, the council recently made the decision to stop the CAZ financial assistance scheme to put £11.5 million funding, with help from the Clean Air Investment fund, towards bus retrofit technology.

In the council meeting, Councillor Tom Finnegan Smith said: “The age and omission standards of the bus fleet in Sheffield still remains an issue.”

A 2024 report found that there are a number of areas within Sheffield with air quality which exceeds the legal limits due to bus omissions.

Cllr Finnegan Smith said: “An alternative approach to upgrading the bus fleet in Sheffield is very much needed,” with the council intending to reach zero bus omissions.

However, the decision to stop the CAZ support scheme has caused concern.

Aaron Bailey, 20, Doncaster, said that he frequently visits Sheffield and worries that in the future he might be next to be fined. He said: “It puts more strain on young people trying to drive, they already have to pay insurance and road tax.”

Mr Bailey also expressed concerns for local businesses, stressing that “it makes it harder for them to survive.”

Ryan Weatheritt , 19, Endcliffe, said: “The impact on air quality will be minimal compared to the inconvenience for people.”

Applications for the scheme remain open until May 31st 2025 and the council has set aside £5 million for any new applications that they receive. https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/clean-air-zone-sheffield/apply-financial-support-upgrade-or-replace-polluting-vehicle