KEIGHLEY-district firms that operate heavy goods vehicles or coaches are being offered extra support to comply with the Clean Air Zone.

Bradford Council has launched a new grants programme to help companies upgrade vehicles that currently fail to meet the required emissions standards.

Under the Clean Air Zone, commercial vehicles which don't comply with the set down levels are charged a daily fee to enter Shipley and Bradford. Ordinary passenger cars are exempt.

A council spokesperson says: "Air pollution levels in Bradford have been found to be too high, with damaging impacts on the health of residents.

"The Clean Air Zone has been live since last September and is operating to improve air quality in the district.

"We've worked closely with local businesses and transport operators, with an extensive funding and exemption programme, and have already issued grants to licensed vehicle proprietors and businesses to upgrade non-compliant vehicles.

"To further support businesses we have now launched the Clean Air Heavy Duty Vehicle grant programme, which offers additional funding of £1.1 million to help local companies – up to small/medium-sized enterprises – upgrade their vehicles to meet the standards."

Applications are invited for up to £16,000 towards the replacement or retrofit upgrade of HGVs and coaches.

There is a one vehicle per application limit, but multiple applications can be submitted.

The council warns that funding is "extremely limited".

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council's executive member for healthy people and places, says: "We are pleased to extend our support to Bradford-district businesses for the upgrade of their non-compliant vehicles, by offering up to £16,000 per vehicle in grant funding for HGVs or coaches.

"The funding will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so if your business has a vehicle you are considering upgrading take a look at the website and apply for a grant today."

In addition to the new Clean Air Heavy Duty Vehicle programme, existing grants schemes remain open for large goods vehicles, minibuses and private hire vehicles.

Anyone unsure of whether they need to pay to enter the zone, or may be entitled to grants or exemptions, should call the Clean Air Zone team on 01274 435533 between 8.30am and 5pm Monday to Thursday, or 8.30am to 4.30pm Fridays.

For further information regarding the grants scheme and to submit an application, visit bradford.gov.uk/breathe-better-bradford/what-help-is-available/clean-air-hdv-fund-programme. More about the Clean Air Zone can be found via the same website.