Business owner leaves Sheffield for clean air zone

A motorbike dealer has abandoned its Sheffield city center site and moved to Barnsley to avoid pressures from the city’s ‘clean air zone’.

Via Moto was based on Shoreham Street in Sheffield but is now in the process of moving its operations to Everill Business Park in Wombwell.

The change comes in response to landlord Matthew Gilder’s concerns about the area imposing charges on large commercial vehicles traveling into Sheffield.

Although there are currently no restrictions on personal vehicles, there are concerns that this could be the next step, as cities such as Bristol and Bath have already started charging individual travelers whose vehicles do not meet emissions standards.

Matei told the Chronicle: “There were several things that happened at once.

“We had problems with one of our suppliers – the building we are currently in was becoming much more expensive to run.

“Then, on top of all that, I’m introducing the clean air zone.

“While it’s still not a massive burden because it doesn’t affect personal vehicles, whoever delivered to us was affected so they had to pay this extra charge.

“My thinking is that day follows night and it is possible that they will choose to introduce the same charges as Bristol.

“Half our staff probably have sub-standard cars, so what if customers can’t get in?

“Or what if they want to test ride a bike that doesn’t fit?”

Matthew decided Wombwell would be an ideal and easily accessible location – and believes Barnsley will have a “competitive advantage” with businesses going forward.

The new site will open on June 22, with Mayor John Clarke and Superbike champion James Toseland in attendance.

“I have to compliment Barnsley Council,” added Matthew.

“In all the years I’ve been in Sheffield I haven’t heard anything from that council but as soon as I started renting this new place I got a call from the council asking what they could do to help.

“It makes a big difference to feel wanted.

“Not having these fees will really help, I can imagine Barnsley will have a competitive advantage in the future.”