Speaking after the problems reported with the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) vehicle checker, Shabana Mahmood said:

“As the summer launch date for Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone draws closer, the worsening problems with the online vehicle checker that will support it are hugely concerning. Teething problems and test glitches are one thing – but the system as it stands is not fit for purpose, and is incapable of delivering even the most basic level of reliability.

“The Council have worked extremely hard to get this right and have engaged with concerns throughout. But Birmingham cannot afford a botched launch, and neither can my constituents who risk financial penalty through no fault of their own. Unless the vehicle checker is fixed – and fixed quickly – it might be time to put CAZ plans on hold.”