Petrol and diesel drivers face a new ‘stealth’ tax charge (Image: Getty)
and owners are being slapped with daily fees in with frustrated road users previously branding the charge a “stealth tax”.
diesel vans and taxis £10 per day to travel
Meanwhile, some vehicles such as older coaches, buses and lorries are hit with a £50 bill just to use the roads.
It means owners are paying either £70 or £350 to use the roads for all seven days per week.
In a major hit, motorists of the most polluting petrol and diesel models are now paying around £280 or £1,400 extra per month.
Sheffield charges drivers up to £50 per day (Image: Getty)
Earlier this year, angry motorists took to social media to blast the new scheme with many branding the charge as a money-making scheme.
One motorist commented on social media: “It’s just a stealth tax for the council to make more money.”
Another added: “Proof the CAZ has done nothing for air quality within the city and was only created to generate income for the council.”
Motorists have to pay the daily charge either six days before they travel into the zone, on the day of a trip or six days afterwards to avoid a fine.
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New data has just revealed Sheffield Council has generated millions through the charge since it came into effect last February.
Analysis shows that around £13million in extra revenue has been picked up since the new daily fees were launched.
However, despite opposition from many locals, decision-makers stressed the scheme had worked in reducing pollution levels in the city.
Over the summer, the council reported that there had been a 16% reduction in NO2 levels within the Clean Air Zone.
Meanwhile, there has been an average NO2 reduction of 21% across the wider Sheffield area.
Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair for the Transport and Regeneration Committee for Sheffield City Council admitted the zone had been a “fantastic achievement” for the city.
He said: “Data collected as part of the Clean Air Zone shows that air pollution caused by vehicles has dropped right across the city, and we’re seeing that more and more people and business are making the switch to cleaner vehicles – it’s a fantastic achievement for Sheffield.”