A new Government proposal could see van and lorry drivers face paying hefty fees to enter cities in a crackdown on air pollution.
The Government is set to introduce a number of Clean Air Zones (CAZ) which will charge drivers of the oldest and most polluting cars entering town centres and cities.
While car owners will also face fees, it is lorries and vans that could be penalised the heaviest under the rule changes.
It has also been revealed in new research that over half of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are unaware of the scheme, according to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).
Of these, 40 per cent are unaware of the specifics of the new rules and what the charges will cost them.
Gerry Keaney, BVRLA Chief Executive, said: “Unless more is done to publicise the impact of these various Clean Air Zones and mitigate their impact, hundreds of thousands of businesses across the country will be hit with a new regional road transport tax that will bring additional cost and confusion at a time when firms are already dealing with Brexit-related economic uncertainty.
“We are particularly concerned about truck operators, who are more likely to be impacted by these zones, face the biggest charges and will struggle to find and afford CAZ-compliant vehicles.”
“Our members have spent the last ten years helping businesses to meet the requirements of the London Low Emission Zone and they understand the costs and operational challenges that businesses will face with the introduction of new Clean Air Zones across the UK”.
Currently, in London, there is the toxic T-Charge which charges motorists £12.50 a day to use.
This will be replaced by the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone in 2019.
The clean air zones are expected to come into force in Leeds, Derby, Nottingham, Southampton, and Birmingham by 2020.
A further 23 local authorities have also signed up to potentially introduce a Clean Air Zone.
Charges are likely to follow the structure in London and the confirmed fees for the CAZ in Leeds.
Private vehicles and taxis are likely to pay £12.50 per day while buses, commercial vehicles, coaches, and HGVs will face paying up to £100.
It could also fine charge the fees to motorists based on their emissions standards in the same way the ULEZ will.
Under the ULEZ petrol and diesel cars will be charged £12.50 a day if they do not meet the Euro 4 and Euro 6 emissions standards respectively.
