Following the introduction of the Southampton Clean Air Zone, both Southampton City Council and Eastleigh Borough Council have introduced a cashback incentive programme to encourage drivers to upgrade to a newer, low emission alternative. The incentives apply for both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles.
Southampton Clean Air Zone – Up to £3K Incentive Cash Available
The incentives programme is available across full electric, plug-in hybrid, full hybrid and Euro 5 & 6 compliant petrol engine vehicles that can seat from five to eight people. The full rundown of the incentives are as follows:
Full Electric – £3,000 per vehicle available. These vehicles must be powered on by a battery that is charged from the electric grid.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) – £2,000 per vehicle available. As the name suggests, these have a plug-in battery which is accompanied by an internal combustion engine. When battery range has been utilised, the car assumes conventional hybrid operation.
Full Hybrid – £1,500 per vehicle available. These vehicles have an internal combustion engine and have zero emission capability through a battery and electric motor. The battery is charged while driving rather than by plugging in. Popular examples of these vehicles include the Toyota Auris Touring Sports and Toyota Prius.
Euro 5 or 6 petrol – £1,500 per vehicle available. Qualifying vehicles must have the capacity to carry from five to eight passengers or be wheelchair accessible.
The incentives apply for both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles.
First Come, First Served
This scheme will operate on a first come, first served basis. It is possible for operators to apply for more than one grant to the maximum value of £7,000. These new incentives will answer the concerns of some drivers who were concerned that they may have to make a significant investment in a brand new vehicle, especially since there are good examples of popular hybrid models at reasonable priced on the used vehicle market.
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