The BBC has interviewed Westside BID boss Mike Olley about how hospitality workers feel they have been penalised by Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone charges.
The online story explained how the zone’s midnight-to-midnight pricing structure meant workers who drive in during the afternoon and then drive back home in the early hours are paying the daily charge twice.
Mr Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said: “I would prefer a system where you could buy a 24-hour slot. I think that would be a lot fairer.”
The BBC report, which also quoted a hospitality worker, carried a comment from Birmingham City Council defending its pricing by saying it was in line with government guidance and “in line with other Clean Air Zones already in operation”.
However, Mr Olley said it simply did not suit some workers who drove into the city for late shifts.
He added: “You buy a slot that ends at midnight – well that’s not very good for us. Things are only just starting to happen at midnight.”
The zone was introduced in June last year and vehicles not meeting emissions standards face charges of £8 for cars, vans and taxis, or £50 for HGVs and coaches. Read the full BBC story here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-60396571
