Vehicle upgrade grants scheme has now closed

The grants scheme set up to support people and businesses affected by the Clean Air Zone has now closed after providing more than £5.5 million in financial assistance.

Launched alongside the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone, the programme helped drivers and businesses upgrade to cleaner, compliant vehicles. Over its three-year duration, the scheme supported more than 1,100 local businesses, tradespeople and taxi drivers to replace older, more polluting vehicles, contributing to improved air quality across the region.

The grant application process formally ended on 30 January 2026, three years after the introduction of the Clean Air Zone. While demand for funding was high at the start of the scheme, applications had significantly reduced in recent months.

If you have previously received a grant

If you have previously received a grant to upgrade a vehicle you remain bound by the terms and conditions of the grant agreement.

As part of this agreement, you are required to retain ownership and operation of your new vehicle for at least 24 months.

If you wish to sell or dispose of your vehicle before that time period had ended you may be required to repay some of the grant funding.

If you need to notify us of a vehicle sale within the 24-month period or if you have any queries regarding your funding, please contact us at caz.helpdesk@newcastle.gov.uk