Clean Air Zone Discounts and Exemptions Terms and Conditions

These terms and conditions apply to the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone Discounts and Exemptions. By registering for Exemption or Discount from Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charging, You agree to accept the following terms and conditions.

Glossary of terms In these terms and conditions, the following words and phrases in bold will have the meanings shown next to them.

Account Holder - means the person or organisation in whose name the Exemption or Discount account is created, and who agrees to these Terms and Conditions. You will be responsible for any account issue resolution.
Account User - a person who has been nominated by the Account Holder (or an authorised representative), to act as an authorised representative, and has access to, and the ability to manage the account on behalf of the Account Holder.

Applicant – Any person applying for an Exemption or Discount Charging Day - for the CAZ - means every day of the year, 24 hours a day.

Charging Authority – The 10 Greater Manchester local authorities: Borough Council of Bolton, Bury Metropolitan Council, Manchester City Council, Oldham Borough Council, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, Salford City Council, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council and Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council

Clean Air Zone (CAZ) - means the area shown shaded yellow on the Clean Air Zone Plan

Clean Air Zone Exemption/Exemption(s) – means an exemption granted to an individual or organisation from charges as detailed in The Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone Policy

Clean Air Zone Discount/Discount(s) – means a that a vehicle is eligible for a discount to be applied to the normal Scheme Charge

Clean Air Zone Exemptions or Discounts Account – means the account used to apply for and manage a CAZ Exemption or Discount

Scheme User - the person or organisation granted a CAZ charging Exemption or Discount.

Scheme Charge(s) – the applicable charge(s) to enter the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone

Subsidy - any form of financial assistance or aid as defined by a Subsidy Control Regime.

Subsidy Control Regime - all applicable laws in force from time to time (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes future laws) regarding the UK's international obligations concerning subsidy control or state aid including but not limited to any law giving effect to the provisions of Chapter 3 of Title XI of Part 2 of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and the United Kingdom as given effect by the European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 and commitments on subsidies arising from the UK's membership of the World Trade Organization.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Us, We – means the public body responsible for coordinating transport services throughout Greater Manchester, who the Charging Authority have delegated appropriate powers to operate the CAZ and to implement other CAZ measures.

User – An Account Holder, Account User or Scheme User

You, Your – means the person who agrees to these terms and conditions, either as a person or on behalf of an organisation, and is applying for a CAZ Exemption or Discount subject to these terms and conditions.

1.0 General Conditions

1.1 The full agreement

These terms and conditions make up the agreement (“Agreement”) between You, the Account Holder, associated Account Users(s), Scheme User(s) and TfGM in relation to Your Clean Air Zone Exemptions or Discounts Account and any supporting Discounts or Exemptions. You agree to these terms and conditions when You register a Clean Air Zone Exemptions or Discounts Account.

1.2 Excluding the rights of anyone else

The Clean Air Zone Exemptions or Discounts Account and the rights and responsibilities under these terms and conditions are for the Account Holder and TfGM’s benefit only and are not intended to benefit anyone else or be enforceable by anyone else. Both parties (TfGM and Account Holder) can enforce the rights under these terms and conditions without the need for any permission from anyone else. No person other than the Account Holder or TfGM shall have rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any of these terms and conditions.

1.3 Changes to these terms and conditions

TfGM may change its terms and conditions to how this scheme is administered and will let Account Holders know beforehand if any significant changes are made. TfGM will not make contact about other changes to the terms and conditions that we do not feel are significant. Unless the Account Holder notifies TfGM otherwise, the Account Holder will automatically be deemed to accept any changes made.

1.4 If TfGM fails to enforce a condition

If TfGM fails to enforce any of its rights under this Agreement, it does not mean that TfGM will not have the right to enforce them in the future.

1.5 Security

The Charging Authority and TfGM will not be legally responsible for any loss or damage You, the Account Holder, or Account User may suffer as a result of You, the Account Holder or Account User disclosing Clean Air Zone Exemptions or Discounts Account access information to anyone else not duly authorised to receive it.

1.6 Confidentiality

1.6.1 Subject to 1.6.2, both parties (Account Holder and TfGM) agree that neither party will pass on any confidential information to anyone else unless we have a right or are obliged to do so by law or if we both agree.

1.6.2 You acknowledge that We are subject to the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“FOIA”) and that, although We shall use reasonable endeavours to inform and consult with You in respect of any relevant FOIA request, We may disclose information without consulting or obtaining consent from You and We are responsible for determining whether information is exempt from disclosure under the FOIA. For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement does not affect the Applicant’s rights under FOIA.

1.7 Your responsibilities

1.7.1 You are responsible for:

Providing us with the correct and accurate information TfGM requests in order to assess the Account Holder’s eligibility to be exempt from the Scheme Charges or eligible for discounted payments and notifying TfGM of any changes to that information. We may report instances of fraud or other illegal activities to the relevant law enforcement authorities

Reading and acting on all emails, letters, text and mobile app messages TfGM send You regarding Your Exemption or Discount
Making sure that You set Your mailbox settings for emails, including spam filters, so that you can receive emails from TfGM
Making sure that You register the correct contact details with TfGM and notify us promptly if those contact details change
You agree that TfGM are not responsible if You fail to read and act on any messages, we have sent You.

1.7.2 You agree to receive communications related to this Agreement from TfGM electronically.

1.7.3 You agree not to send TfGM any material that is illegal, offensive, abusive, defamatory, menacing, or which would breach copyright, trademark, confidence, privacy or any other right. This also includes material which may contain software viruses, political campaigning, advertising for business, chain letters, mass mailings or 'spam'.

1.7.4 You agree that the provision of any Exemption or Discount does not amount to an unlawful Subsidy or is otherwise compliant with the Subsidy Control Regime.

1.8 Notices

1.8.1 Any notice related to an Exemption or Discount TfGM gives under this Agreement may be sent to the address You have provided and may include items sent via post, email, or any other electronic transmission.

1.8.2 A notice TfGM sends to You will be deemed to be served in accordance with the following:

Delivered by hand, at the time of delivery
Posted, the ordinary course of posting by first or second-class post
Sent by email, if the email or other electronic transmission is sent on a business day before 16:30, on that day; or in any other case, on the next business day after the day it was sent

1.8.3 English will be the language for all communications between TfGM, Account Holders and Account users.

1.8.4 All notices will include the unique reference number provided when Your CAZ Exemption or Discounts Account and subsequent Discounts or Exemptions were approved.

1.8.5 We have the right to end Your entitlement to an Exemption or Discount if any of the following occur:

You no longer meet the eligibility requirements e.g. if You no longer meet the eligibility requirements as set out in the relevant Exemption or Discount criteria (as set out below)
TfGM has reasonable grounds to believe that You are no longer eligible for an Exemption or Discount (e.g. You are benefitting from an Exemption to which You are no longer entitled as set out in the terms and conditions that You have agreed to). In these circumstances, TfGM will write to the Account Holder with the reasons for our decision

1.8.6 You acknowledge that Exemptions and Discounts cannot be transferred to another vehicle without approval from TfGM. Any transfers should be requested via your Clean Air Zone Exemptions or Discounts Account.

1.8.7 If You cease to be eligible for the Exemption or Discount or if You change your vehicle, You must notify TfGM immediately via Your Clean Air Zone Exemptions or Discounts Account.

Checking information

2.0 At any time after TfGM receives Your application for an Exemption or Discount (including after TfGM has notified the Account Holder that any application is accepted), TfGM may ask the Account Holder for proof of eligibility for the Exemption or Discount and/or any other information about the vehicle being registered.

2.1 TfGM may at any time send the Account Holder an email requesting further supporting information which must be provided by the date stated in that email.

2.2 If as a result of checks of the information provided by the Account Holder, the TfGM decides that Your registered vehicle is not or has ceased to be eligible, then TfGM will reject Your application and/or remove Your Exemption or Discount and notify You accordingly.

2.3 Applying for the Exemption or Discount does not automatically mean Your, an Account Holder’s, Account User’s or Scheme User’s vehicle is exempt from Scheme Charges or eligible for discounted Scheme Charges. Only once an Account Holders Exemption or Discount is confirmed by TfGM via email will such vehicle(s) be exempt or eligible for discount payments. Until that point, Account Holders, Account Users or Scheme Users will be liable to pay applicable Scheme Charges.

Data protection

3.1 When applying for an Exemption or Discount Your personal data will be processed. By applying and submitting Your application You accept that: Your personal data will be collected and processed in order to determine whether You are eligible for an Exemption or Discount; and all reasonable precautions will be taken to keep Your information safe and protected from accidental loss or alteration, inappropriate access, misuse or theft by providing appropriate technical, physical, and organisational controls in line with applicable laws.

3.2 The information that You provide will be stored for a period of up to 7 years and then deleted.

3.3 For more information on Your rights and how Your personal data will be processed, please visit the CleanAirGM privacy policy.

Exemption Application Support

4.1 Eligibility for each category of Exemption or Discount are listed on the following pages. If eligibility criteria are not met, a CAZ Exemption or Discount will not be granted and Account Holders, Account Users and Scheme Users will be required to pay Scheme Charges when entering the CAZ in a non-compliant vehicle.

4.2 Complaints about Exemption and Discount applications can be made via email to cazsupport@cleanairgm.com

4.3 Certain types of Exemptions and Discounts will require Account Holders to supply the TfGM with supporting documentary evidence. All documents must be clear enough to read easily. If TfGM cannot read any documents, TfGM may ask You for more proof. This may delay the time it takes to process Your Exemption or Discount Application and in the meantime, You will be liable for any applicable Scheme Charges.

5. Exemptions that Must be Applied For

5.1 Specialist HGVs

5.1.1 The Exemption specific conditions should be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions laid out above.

5.1.2 In order to be eligible for this Exemption You must be able to prove that Your vehicle meets the following criteria:

Certain types of heavily specialised HGVs, such as certain vehicles used in construction or vehicle recovery:

Vehicles in the DVLA Special Types Tax Class and specified in an Order under Section 44 of the Road Traffic Act 1988;
Vehicles in the DVLA Special Vehicles Tax Class and meeting the definition of a “special vehicle” under Part IV of Schedule 1 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 (VERA);
Vehicles in the DVLA Recovery Vehicle Tax Class and meeting the definitions and criteria in Part V of Schedule 1 of the VERA;
Vehicles in the DVLA Special Concessionary Tax Class and meeting the definitions and criteria in paragraphs 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, 20H or 20J of Schedule 2 of the VERA.
Vehicles in the DVLA Limited Use Tax Class and meeting the definition and criteria in paragraph 20A of Schedule 2 of the VERA.

5.1.3 Eligible Account Holders, Account Users or Scheme Users will be required to apply for this Exemption. To do so You will be required to submit the following information:

An image or copy of the V5C document which shows the VRN and the vehicle classification
Declaration that the vehicle is in one of the stated tax classes (and as shown on the vehicle's V5C)
Declaration that the vehicle meets the legal definition and criteria for the relevant vehicle as set out in the GM CAP Policy
Declaration that the non-compliant vehicle is registered to the Applicant, or an authorised employee, director or trustee of the Applicant/organisation (as evidenced on the V5C)

5.1.4 This Exemption is permanent, subject to Your ongoing eligibility.

5.2 Community Minibuses

5.2.1 The Exemption specific conditions should be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions laid out above

5.2.2 In order to be eligible for this Exemption You must be able to prove that Your vehicle meets the following criteria:

The vehicle must be operating under a permit under section 19 or section 22 of the Transport Act (1985), issued by a body designated by the Secretary of State. The following applies:

The vehicle is a non-compliant minibus (M2 (Gross Vehicle Weight not exceeding 5000 kg,
The vehicle is not used as a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV);
The vehicle is not used on a registered bus service;
In receipt of and operating under a permit under section 19 or section 22 of the Transport Act (1985), issued by a body designated by the Secretary of State; and
The non-compliant vehicle must be registered to the Applicant, or an authorised employee, director or trustee of the Applicant/organisation

5.2.3 Eligible Account Holders, Account Users or Scheme Users will be required to apply for this Exemption. To do so You will be required to submit the following information:

An image or copy of the V5C document which shows the VRN and the vehicle classification
An image or copy of the Section 19 or Section 22 permit in the name of the Applicant
Declaration that the minibus is operated under and used for activities pursuant to a Section 19 or Section 22 permit
Declaration that the minibus is not used as a licenced taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV)
Declaration that the vehicle is not used on a registered bus service
Declaration that the non-compliant vehicle is registered to the Applicant, or an authorised employee, director or trustee of the Applicant/organisation (as evidenced on the V5C)

5.2.4 This Exemption is permanent, subject to Your ongoing eligibility.

5.3 Showmen’s vehicles

5.3.1 The Exemption specific conditions should be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions laid out above.

5.3.2 In order to be eligible for this Exemption You must be able to prove that Your vehicle meets the following criteria:

Fairground/funfair vehicles which are in the tax classification of Showman’s HGV or
Showman’s Haulage under the DVLA Special Vehicles Tax Class and meet the definition of a ‘showman’s vehicle’ or a ‘showman’s goods vehicle’ within the meaning of section 62 of the VERA.

5.3.3 Eligible Account Holders, Account Users or Scheme Users will be required to apply for this Exemption. To do so You will be required to submit the following information:

An image or copy of the V5C document which shows the VRN and the vehicle classification
Declaration that the vehicle is in one of the stated tax classes (and as shown on the vehicle's V5C)
Declaration the vehicle meets the definition of a ‘showman’s vehicle’ or a ‘showman’s goods vehicle’ within the meaning of section 62 of the VERA
Declaration that the non-compliant vehicle is registered to the Applicant, or an authorised employee, director or trustee of the Applicant/organisation (as evidenced on the V5C)

5.3.4 This Exemption is permanent, subject to Your ongoing eligibility.

5.4. LGVs and minibuses adapted for a disabled user

5.4.1 The Exemption specific conditions should be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions laid out above

5.4.2 In order to be eligible for this Exemption You must be able to prove that Your vehicle meets the following criteria:: LGVs and Minibuses specifically adapted for use by a disabled user and not used for hire or reward. These vehicles will have a substantial and permanent(1) adaptation to the vehicle, specific to suit a disabled wheelchair user’s particular needs to enable them to travel in the vehicle, or enter and drive it.

The following applies:

The non-compliant vehicle is registered to the same address as the Applicant;
The vehicle is an LGV (N1) or minibus (M2) specially adapted for use by a disabled person;
The vehicle is not covered by the Disabled Tax Class or Disabled Passenger Vehicle Tax Class;
The vehicle is not operating under a permit under section 19 or section 22 of the Transport Act (1985), issued by a body designated by the Secretary of State;
The vehicle is not a licensed taxi or PHV or used on a GM registered bus service; and
The vehicle is not used for hire or reward.

5.4.3 Eligible Account Holders, Account Users or Scheme Users will be required to apply for this Exemption. To do so You will be required to submit the following information:

An image or copy of the V5C document which shows the VRN and the vehicle classification Images of the vehicle showing the substantial and permanent adaptations to the vehicle aligning to GM CAP Policy requirements
Description of the substantial and permanent adaptations to the vehicle
Declaration that the vehicle is LGV or minibus with a substantial and permanent adaptation to the vehicle, specific to suit a disabled wheelchair user’s particular needs to enable them to travel in the vehicle, or enter and drive it, as defined by the GM CAP Policy
Declaration that the vehicle is not covered by the Disabled Tax Class or Disabled Passenger Vehicle Tax Class (and as evidenced on the V5C)
Declaration that the vehicle is not operating under a permit under section 19 or section 22 of the Transport Act (1985), issued by a body designated by the Secretary of State
Declaration that the vehicle is not used as a licenced taxi or private hire vehicle (PHV)
Declaration that the vehicle is not used on a registered bus service
Declaration that the non-compliant vehicle is registered to the Applicant (as evidenced on the V5C)

5.4.4 The Exemption is permanent, subject to Your ongoing eligibility.

5.5 Heritage buses not used for hire or reward

5.5.1 The Exemption specific conditions should be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions laid out above

5.5.2 In order to be eligible for this Exemption You must be able to prove that Your vehicle meets the following criteria: Heritage buses which are over 20 years old and which are not used for hire or reward. The following applies:

The vehicle is a bus (M3);
The vehicle is in the private/light goods (PLG) tax class;
The vehicle is not used for hire or reward; and
The vehicle is over 20 years old at the date of application.

5.5.3 Eligible Account Holders, Account Users or Scheme Users will be required to apply for this Exemption. To do so You will be required to submit the following information:

An image or copy of the V5C document which shows the VRN and the vehicle classification
An image or copy of the vehicle insurance document which shows the absence of business insurance
Declaration that the vehicle is in the PLG Tax Class (as evidenced by the V5C)
Declaration that the vehicle is over 20 years old at the date of Application (as evidenced by the V5C)
Declaration that they are not used for hire or reward (at any point)
Declaration that the non-compliant vehicle is registered to the Applicant, or an authorised employee, director or trustee of the Applicant/organisation (as evidenced on the V5C)

5.5.4 The Exemption is permanent, subject to Your ongoing eligibility.

5.6 Coaches and buses not used on a registered bus service

5.6.1 The Exemption specific conditions should be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions laid out above

5.6.2 In order to be eligible for this Exemption You must be able to prove that Your vehicle meets the following criteria: Coaches and buses not used on a registered bus service. The following applies:

The vehicle is not used on a registered bus service
The non-compliant vehicle must be registered to the Applicant, or an authorised employee, director or trustee of the Applicant/organisation

5.6.3 Eligible Account Holders, Account Users or Scheme Users will be required to apply for this Exemption. To do so You will be required to submit the following information:
An image or copy of the V5C document which shows the VRN and the vehicle classification
Declaration that the vehicle is not used on a registered bus service
Declaration that the non-compliant vehicle is registered to the Applicant, or an authorised employee, director or trustee of the Applicant/organisation (as evidenced on the V5C)

5.6.4 This is a temporary Exemption until 31st May 2023, subject to Your ongoing eligibility. After 31st May 2023, non-compliant vehicles will be charged

5.7 Outstanding finance or lease on non-compliant vehicles

5.7.1 The Exemption specific conditions should be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions laid out above

5.7.2 In order to be eligible for this Exemption You must be able to prove that Your vehicle meets the following criteria:

Non-compliant vehicles subject to finance or lease agreements entered into before 3rd December 2020 which will remain outstanding at the time at which the GM CAZ becomes operational are eligible. The following applies:
An outstanding finance or lease agreement was entered into before 3rd December 2020
The non-compliant vehicle must be registered to the Applicant, or an authorised employee, director or trustee of the Applicant/organisation

5.7.3 Eligible Account Holders, Account Users or Scheme Users are required to apply for this Exemption. To do so You will be required to submit the following information:

An image or copy of the V5C document which shows the VRN and the vehicle classification
An image or copy of the proof of outstanding finance or lease on non-compliant vehicle (for which the Exemption application is for) showing the agreement end date
Declaration that the non-compliant vehicle is registered to the Applicant, or an authorised employee, director or trustee of the Applicant/organisation (as evidenced on the V5C or finance/lease agreement)

5.7.4 This is a temporary Exemption, subject to Your ongoing eligibility. until the finance or lease agreement ends or until 31st May 2023, whichever is sooner. After 31st May 2023, non-compliant vehicles will be charged

5.8 Limited supply (awaiting delivery of a compliant vehicle)

5.8.1 The Exemption specific conditions should be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions laid out above

5.8.2 In order to be eligible for this Exemption You must be able to prove that Your vehicle meets the following criteria:

Demonstration that an order has been placed for a compliant replacement vehicle or retrofit solution, The following applies:

The Account Holder, Account User or Scheme Uses has ordered a compliant replacement vehicle or retrofit solution;
The compliant vehicle has not been delivered yet for reasons which are considered to be outside of the Applicant’s control; and
The non-compliant vehicle must be registered to the Applicant, or an authorised employee, director or trustee of the Applicant/organisation.

5.8.3 Eligible Account Holders, Account Users or Scheme Users will be required to apply for this Exemption. To do so You will be required to submit the following information:

An image or copy of the V5C document for the non-compliant vehicle which shows the VRN and the vehicle classification
An image or copy of an invoice showing a purchase from a supplier of a replacement compliant vehicle or CVRAS accredited retrofit solution by the Applicant. This should be cross checked with a funds report to confirm an application has been made. The invoice should show:
The name and address of the supplier providing the replacement compliant vehicle or CVRAS accredited retrofit solution;
The name and address of the Applicant as it appears in the Application for exemption;
The delivery date of the replacement compliant vehicle or CVRAS accredited retrofit solution;
The compliant replacement vehicle awaiting delivery or the CVRAS accredited retrofit solution being applied to the non-compliant vehicle(s) the exemption is being requested for; and
Where a vehicle is being retrofitted, the registration number of the vehicle(s) order for retrofit matches the non-compliant vehicle(s) on the application for exemption.
Declaration that the non-compliant vehicle is registered to the Applicant, or an authorised employee, director or trustee of the Applicant/organisation (as evidenced on the V5C)

5.8.4 This is a temporary Exemption valid until such a time as You are in receipt of the compliant replacement vehicle or retrofit solution, or for 12 weeks, or until 31st May 2023, whichever is sooner. After 31st May 2023, non-compliant vehicles will be charged.

6. Discounts that You must apply for

6.1 Private HGV tax class vehicles

6.1.1 The Discount specific conditions should be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions laid out above

6.1.2 In order to be eligible for this Discount You must be able to prove that Your vehicle meets the following criteria:

Vehicles in the DVLA Private HGV Tax Class7 and
meeting the definition of a “special vehicle” in paragraph 4(2)(bb) of Part IV of Schedule 1 to the VERA

6.1.3 Account Holders would be required to apply for this Discount. To do so You will be required to submit the following information: An image or copy of the V5C document for the non-compliant vehicle which shows the VRN and the vehicle classification Declaration that the non-compliant vehicle is registered to the Applicant, or an authorised employee, director or trustee of the Applicant/organisation (as evidenced on the V5C or finance/lease agreement) Declaration that the non-compliant vehicle meets the definition of a “special vehicle” in paragraph 4(2)(bb) of Part IV of Schedule 1 to the VERA.

6.1.4 The Discount is permanent, however You will be required to pay a discounted Scheme Charge each time You wish to drive Your vehicle within the Clean Air Zone. The vehicle would be subject to a charge equivalent to the LGV daily charge (£10 a day), rather than the HGV daily charge (£60 a day).

7. Vehicles that are automatically exempt

7.1 Specialist Emergency Vehicles Specialist vehicles in use by emergency services, such as aerial ladders and major incident command vehicles.

7.2 Vehicles Used by Emergency Services Certain types of vehicles used by emergency services front line emergency and certain non-emergency vehicles.

7.3 Driving within the Clean Air Zone because of a road diversion Vehicles driving within the Clean Air Zone because of a road diversion who would otherwise not have entered the GM CAZ.

Applies only while the diversion is active and subject to non-compliant vehicles being on the designated diversion route.

7.4 Driver Training Buses

Buses adapted for use for, and dedicated to, driver training purposes and owned by the Applicant prior to 3rd December 2020.

7.5 GM licensed Hackneys and PHVs

Hackneys and Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs), which are licensed to one of the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities as of 3rd December 2020 are eligible for a temporary Exemption until 31st May 2023. After 31st May 2023, non-compliant vehicles will be charged.

7.6 Buses operating on school bus contracts entered into before 31st March 2019 and which expire in July 2022

Buses used on a GM school bus service where the contract ends in July 2022 and where the contract was tendered prior to 31st March 2019 (submission of the GM CAP OBC9) are eligible for a temporary Exemption to 31st July 2022. These buses must have been identified on the GM bus fleet register for at least 6 months. These vehicles will not be considered for funding under the GM CAP scheme. The vehicles must not be used for registered bus services within GM beyond 31st July 2022.

7.7 Historic vehicles

Vehicles within the DVLA Historic Vehicle Tax Class11 (vehicles built or first registered more than 40 years ago)

7.8 Military vehicles

Vehicles in use by UK Armed Forces

7.9 Disabled passenger vehicles

Vehicles within the DVLA Disabled Passenger Vehicle Tax Class, used by organisations providing transport for disabled people.

7.10 Non-road going vehicles

Certain types of non-road going vehicles which are allowed to drive on the highway such as agricultural machines; digging machines; and mobile cranes.

7.11 Disabled tax class vehicles

Vehicles used by, or for the purposes of a disabled person which are exempt from vehicle tax, i.e. those in the DVLA Disabled Tax Class and meeting the definitions and criteria in paragraphs 18 and 19 of Schedule 2 of the VERA4.

7.12 LGVs and minibuses (which are not a licensed hackney or PHV or used on a registered bus service within Greater Manchester)

Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) and minibuses which are not used as a licensed hackney, PHV or on a registered bus service within GM, are eligible for a temporary Exemption until 31st May 2023. After 31st May 2023, non-compliant vehicles will be charged.

(1)The definition of substantial and permanent adaptation draws on guidance from HMRC that: The adaptation to the vehicle must be both necessary and specific to suit the disabled wheelchair user’s particular needs to enable them to travel in the vehicle, or enter and drive it. The adaptation should alter the vehicle in a meaningful way, enabling the wheelchair user to use the vehicle which they could not use before it was adapted. For a vehicle to be considered as substantially and permanently adapted it is expected that significant change to the vehicle has been made with the adaptations being bolted or welded to the body or chassis of the vehicle. Adaptations that are wired into the electrics of the vehicle could also qualify as substantially and permanently adapted. For adaptations to be considered permanent it’s expected that they should be fitted to the vehicle for the shorter of either a minimum of 3 years or the lifetime of the vehicle. If the adaptation is removed before this time, then the adaptation may not be (continued p11) considered to be permanent and therefore the vehicle should not have been eligible for exemption. A disabled person who usually uses a wheelchair needs to be able to take it with them in the vehicle. Vehicles often need to be substantially adapted to allow a fixed frame or motorised wheelchair designed for permanent use to be transferred into the vehicle, using a ramp and a winch or a hoist, and for it to be held safely and securely in place throughout the journey. Where a wheelchair can be folded and stowed in the boot of a vehicle, the vehicle does not need to be substantially and permanently adapted to carry it. Whilst some minor adaptations may be required, it’s not sufficient to meet the ‘substantially and permanently adapted’ qualifying condition and the vehicle will not qualify for exemption. The following are not considered as substantial and permanent adaptations because they are widely available accessories or upgrade options the: fitting of a roof rack or standard roof box; attachment of a trailer to the back of a vehicle; fitting of automatic transmission; fitting of parking or reversing sensors. This list is not exhaustive. Further information available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-relief-on-adapted-motor-vehicles-for-disabled-people-and-charities-notice-1002#sec3.