What you need to know about Bristol’s Clean Air Zone charges

The Bristol Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is due to start operating on November 28.

But many people in the city agree that more information is still needed.

As part a series on the upcoming CAZ, Bristol24/7 will be answering questions from our readers.

Bristol City Council has stated that 71 per cent of current vehicles travelling into the CAZ already meet the emission standards.

How does the charging system work?
It’s important to highlight that no vehicles are going to be banned from entering the zone that will cover most of the city centre, a portion of Old Market and just south of the river. But the older and more polluting vehicles will have to pay a daily charge.

Charges will apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The charge will run from midnight to midnight, with one charge covering this period.

The charges must be paid via the government’s online payment system, or by calling the CAZ support centre. Drivers can either pay six days before or after entering the CAZ.

If the charges are not paid in time, a penalty charge notice of £120 might be issued.

How much will it cost?
Depending on the type of vehicle, the charges will be either £9 or £100.

Non-compliant private cars, taxis and LGVs will have to pay the £9 charge.

Non-compliant larger vehicles such as HGVs, buses and coaches will be charged a daily fee of £100.

People can check their vehicles online via: www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones

Exemptions and non-applicable charges

According to Bristol City Council, charges will not apply to cars that are within the emission limits: Euro 4, 5, and 6 petrol vehicles (roughly 2006 onwards), Euro 6 diesel vehicles (roughly end of 2015 onwards), fully electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, modified or retrofitted vehicles registered for the CVRAS scheme and motorbikes.

There will be a number of temporary exemptions when the CAZ is implemented in Bristol. The council says these “will give time for people to take advantage of financial support and upgrade to a less polluting vehicle”.

The exemptions include:

• Residents in the zone
• People working within the zone and earning less than £26,000 a year
• Blue badge holders
• Patients attending hospitals in the zone (they will be able to register their vehicle when attending an appointment).

It’s important to note that exemptions do not apply automatically, you will need to apply. Applications for local exemptions are open from September on.

The council says it has asked the government to extend the exemptions period for eligible groups due to delays in implementing the CAZ. It is not yet clear when these will come to an end.

The clean air zone will cover the city centre, a portion of Old Market and just south of the river – source: Bristol City Council

And what now?
If your vehicle does meet the emission standards (minimum Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol) you do not need to register or take any further action.

Those affected by the CAZ regulations are encouraged by the council to apply for financial support, which includes loans, grants and funding available for alternative ways of transport, which can be put towards bike loans, training, e-scooter, and other forms of mobility.

You can get in touch with CAZ advisers at CAZSupport@bristol.gov.uk to find out more.

We still welcome any feedback or questions that you might have about the topic.

This piece of independent journalism is supported by Natwest and the Bristol24/7 public and business membership

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read more: Is Bristol prepared for the Clean Air Zone? 

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