Bristol’s clean air zone ‘likely to launch in September 2022’

Bristol is gearing up for the launch of the long-awaited clean air zone as the likely start date now looks to be in September.

Under the new measures, non-compliant vehicles will be charged to enter an area that covers the city centre, a portion of Old Market and just south of the river.

The charge for older, more polluting private vehicles is £9 per day and drivers can now check their motors via a national online checker to see if they will have to pay when the clean air zone comes into force. Businesses can also use it to check their vehicles by uploading a spreadsheet of all of their registration numbers.

It was in 2017 that Bristol, along with other UK cities, was ordered by the government to implement measures to clean up its polluted air.

Details of the plans for the city were finally confirmed in November last year and mayor Marvin Rees said they would be implemented this summer. The online vehicle checker indicates the clean air zone will be launching in the city in “late 2022” but Bristol City Council has told Bristol24/7 September is “the likely start date”.

The council estimates that 71 per cent of vehicles travelling into the city already meet the zone’s emission standards but is encouraging drivers and businesses that could be affected to plan ahead and check now. The government has pledged £42m in grants and loans to help mitigate the cost of replacing non-compliant vehicles or seeking alternative transport.

……………………………………………

This Bristol24/7 content is made possible by contributions from our members. In February and March, we are on a mission to get to 1,000 supporter members. Membership is £5 a month and allows us to continue our important work bringing you the best stories in Bristol. If you enjoy reading our articles, please consider supporting us and join today.

……………………………………………

Rees said: “We’re making sure that the clean air zone won’t have a detrimental impact on people on low incomes or businesses that have already had a difficult two years. That’s why we have £42m available to help people to get cleaner vehicles.

“It’s easy to check whether your vehicle will be charged. I urge everyone to use the online vehicle checker and enter your registration number as soon as possible.

“If your vehicle will be charged to enter the zone then you can contact us to find out what help you can get with either exemptions, a loan or even a grant which you don’t pay back.

“You don’t need to buy a brand new electric car which are unaffordable for most people – it could be as simple as going to your local second hand dealer and upgrading your 2003 car for a 2006 one.”

Bristol clean air zone map shows the boundary of where the charging zone will start and finish  – map: Bristol City Council

Confirming the start date, a Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “September is the likely start date as it stands, which is within the timeframe agreed with government as announced last year.”

The clean air zone will be coming into play in an area of the city where pollution is highest.

Charges will not apply to:
Euro 4, 5 and 6 petrol vehicles, roughly 2006 upwards
Euro 6 diesel vehicles, roughly end of 2015 onwards

Main photo: Ellie Pipe

Read more: Bristol clean air zone to be introduced in summer 2022

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: