Driver stories and your up-to-date guide on running your car, written by Caura’s experts. Keep up to speed with charge changes, new zones, insurance tips and much more. 

Welcome to the Roadeo - find stories, insights and tips for drivers across the UK.  

They probably spend more time than they need to worrying about what they need to pay and when. This is where you come in. 

Head to the ‘Refer’ tab in-app, share your code and invite them to Caura today, you could be saving them a huge fine! 

[1] https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/ulez-expansion-create-300m-first-093427472.html

[2] https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1615477/driving-law-changes-sadiq-khan-london-ulez-expansion-2023-bexley-car-tax-exclusive

AutoPay, a feature which detects whether you’ve driven into the London charging zones based on your registration plate and takes payment automatically, previously cost £10 to set up for each vehicle. Every year, there was an additional £10 renewal charge for this service. This was on top of the £12.50 daily charge for ULEZ or the £15 daily charge for the Congestion Zone. 

But from January 30th 2023, AutoPay is free to set up for all your vehicles! That means once you’ve set it up, you never need to think about paying to drive in London again. You’ll be charged automatically every time you drive into the Congestion Zone, ULEZ or LEZ, and never get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) through the door again.

So, what are the benefits of setting up AutoPay in Caura?

You’ll never forget to pay charges again

Gain protection from receiving PCNs while registered

Unlike TfL, we will notify you each time a payment is taken, even when you're set up on AutoPay

The additional benefit of setting up AutoPay in Caura is that we’ll also remind you about upcoming renewals like your car tax, car insurance and MOT, and you can sort all of these in-app, too!

Why are we urging all London drivers to set up AutoPay?

Simple. Let the system remember so you never forget. 

Although boundaries of London charging zones are marked with signs, they’re sometimes easy to miss. Plus, with each zone having different operating times for different days, it can be a lot to remember. If you drive into the Congestion zone or ULEZ during its operating times and forget to pay the necessary charge(s), you get hit with a £120 PCN, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

With the ULEZ expansion taking place this year, it’s estimated that 135,000 drivers will be liable to pay the £12.50 charge daily [2], leaving even more drivers liable to massive fines. 

The removal of the AutoPay fee means that you can avoid this ever happening! By simply setting up AutoPay in Caura at no extra cost from 30 Jan '23, you can drive comfortably into London without having to worry about remembering to pay. 

The quickest way to set up AutoPay for London charging zones is to download Caura. Head to the ‘City Charges’ screen in-app, follow the set-up instructions (which only takes a couple of seconds) and we’ll have your AutoPay running for the next day.

We’ll also notify you each time payment is taken, and all your receipts will be stored in the ‘History’ tab in-app ready for you whenever you need them. 

Download Caura on the Apple App Store or Google Play store today to start using Caura to manage all things car, at no extra fees!

There’s a lot of talk in the news about the ULEZ expansion going live on August 29th 2023, which is predicted to increase TfL’s annual revenue from the zone to a whopping £300 million [1]. The proposed expansion is a hot topic, with plenty of fierce opposition from various groups. Whichever side of the fence you’re on, the expansion is happening. 

Caura makes paying city charges quick and easy, and paying London city charges just got even easier. 

From 30th January 2023, TfL is removing the £10 AutoPay set-up and renewal fee for all drivers. Find out what this means for you and how Caura can help you get set up on AutoPay at no extra cost!

The ULEZ is expanding and the TfL AutoPay fee is going! | Caura

Pay your Heathrow drop off PCN in 2 steps

Once you’ve downloaded Caura, enter your vehicle registration number, select ‘Roads & Tolls’ and tap the Heathrow drop-off charge. Select the date you drove into the zone and choose whether you want to pay for 1 or 2 visits. You’ll then have the option to pay by Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit or debit card.

If you’re entering a London charging zone on your journey to Heathrow, you can also pay the London Congestion Charge, London ULEZ charge or London LEZ charge in Caura, too. Find out more about London City Charges here.

All receipts for payments made in Caura are stored in-app. You can find any receipt in the ‘History’ tab of your app. From there, you can also export a copy any receipt to your email.

Find out more about the Heathrow drop-off fee here.

[1] https://heathrowdropoffpcnpayments.apcoa.com/pcnonline/index.php

How does the terminal drop off charge work?

Heathrow drop off charges apply 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There will be signs on the roads in and around the airport to let drivers know when they are entering chargeable zones. There are no toll barriers at Heathrow. Instead, Heathrow uses automatic number-plate recognition (ANPR) cameras to record vehicle movements. As soon as you enter the drop off zone, you will incur a charge and will be liable to pay.

Remember, the Heathrow drop off fee applies every time you enter the zone. So, if you exit the drop off area and enter a second time, you will need to pay the charge again.

Read more about the Heathrow drop-off fee here.

How to make Heathrow drop off PCN payments

If you forgot to pay the Heathrow drop off fee, you will be liable for a £80 Parking Charge Notice (PCN). This will be sent to the address your vehicle is registered to.

Once you’ve received the PCN, follow these steps:

Step 1: Head to the official Heathrow PCN payment website [1]. 

Step 2: Enter the PCN number and your vehicle registration number and pay the fee. 

We recommend paying the Heathrow drop off PCN within 14 days to reduce the cost of the fine to £40.

If you think you’ve been fined unfairly, you can appeal the charge. Options on how to contest a Heathrow drop off PCN include:

Challenging the PCN or requesting a refund via email at refunds.heathrowdropoff@apcoa.com

Calling the Heathrow drop off customer service at 0333 200 7459

Challenge the PCN by writing to DRPL, PO Box 230, Manchester, M34 0DW

How to pay for future Heathrow drop off charges

The fastest way to pay the Heathrow drop of fee is by using the Caura app. Available on the Google Play Store or App Store, download Caura here.

Launched in November 2021, the Heathrow drop off fee is a £5 charge that applies to all drivers entering drop-off zones at all Heathrow terminals. There are some exemptions in place for some drivers, you can find a full list of exemptions here.

Forgot to pay the Heathrow drop off fee? Find out how to pay the Heathrow drop off PCN as well as the fastest way to make future terminal drop off charge payments.

Received a PCN for the Heathrow drop off fee? Don’t stress! Find out how to pay the PCN. Caura is the fastest way to pay for future Heathrow drop off charges. Find out more here.

Pay your Heathrow drop off PCN in 2 steps | Caura

How to prepare for the upcoming Newcastle CAZ

Cars and motorcycles are exempt from this charge. This means that even if you drive an older vehicle, you will not need to pay a daily fee to drive in the zone.

For all other vehicles, you must meet the following emission standards to be exempt from the charge:

Taxis – Diesel car registered after September 2015, petrol cars registered after 2005

Vans/LGVs – Diesel cars registered after September 2016, petrol cars registered after January 2006

HGVs, buses and coaches – petrol or diesel vehicles registered after 2014

There are also some local and national exemptions in place. You can find a full list of Newcastle CAZ exemptions here.

Still confused? Caura will be adding the Newcastle CAZ charge to the app on the 30th of January, the same day the zone launches. The easiest way to check if your vehicle is compliant is by downloading Caura. 

Caura is the fastest way to check exemption status or pay the charge

All you need to do is enter your vehicle registration number into the app, and the app will tell you if your vehicle is exempt. If you need to pay, Caura will display the correct charge (either £12.50 or £50) depending on the type of your vehicle, and you can go ahead and pay in two taps using Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit or debit card.  

What are does the Newcastle Clean Air Zone cover?

The CAZ is located within the Newcastle city centre and will cover routes in over the Tyne, Swing, High Level and Redheugh bridges. You can find a Newcastle Clean Air Zone map here, along with more information about the zone and exemptions.

[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-64208549

[2] https://www.breathe-cleanair.com/vehicle-upgrade-grants

The Newcastle CAZ will see only drivers of commercial vehicles, including taxis, vans, LGVs, HGVs, buses and coaches will be charged a daily fee to drive within the zone. The charge you need to pay is dependent on your vehicle type. Taxis, minibuses, and vans will need to pay a £12.50 fee whereas HGVs, trucks, lorries, coaches, and buses will need to pay a £50 fee.

It’s important to note that non-compliant vans and LGVs will not face charges until July 2023. This is to allow extra time for vehicle replacements, which are currently affected by a national supply shortage. 

Financial support is available for affected drivers and business owners

The aim of the Newcastle Clean Air Zone is to encourage drivers of older, more polluting vehicles to change to cleaner, compliant models. The good news for those affected is that you can apply for funding to help you replace or upgrade your vehicle.  

The amount of funding you can receive is dependent on your vehicle type.

Up to £3,500 - Taxis, including Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles

Up to £4,000 – Wheelchair accessible taxis, including Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles

Up to £4,500 – Light goods vehicles (LGVs)

Up to £16,000 – Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)

You can only use the funding to help purchase a compliant vehicle, either new or second hand, to replace one that doesn’t meet the government set emission standards.

Applications can be made online via the council website here. [2] An initial check will be made to make sure you are eligible for funding and once everything is confirmed, you will receive an approval letter.

Details of the letter will include next steps and information about financial providers you can contact to discuss the use of funding to upgrade your vehicle.

3. I’ve been approved for support and am waiting for my compliant vehicle, what happens next?

The confirmation letter you receive from the council stating that your application for funding has been approved will also include a one-time-only automatic 120 day exemption from CAZ charges.

This means that while you’re in the process of securing a compliant vehicle through one of the financial providers, you can drive into the CAZ with your non-compliant vehicle and not be charged. It’s important to keep this letter safe in case you need to show it as proof. 

“More than 36,000 people die in the UK every year due to poor air quality. That includes hundreds on Tyneside. This is a move to address that” – Council leader Nick Kemp, of Labour. [1]

In a bid to reduce harmful emissions caused by the most polluting vehicles, Newcastle City Council announced the implementation of a Clean Air Zone, bordered around the busiest and most polluted streets in Newcastle city centre. Charging for the zone will begin on the 30th of January 2023 - find out what this means for Newcastle and Tyneside residents and business owners, and how you can prepare for the zone.

The government has announced financial support for drivers and business owners affected by the Newcastle Clean Air Zone. Find out how to apply and what it means if your application is approved. Plus, find out how Caura can help you check exemption status or pay the CAZ charge – it’s the fastest way!

A new CAZ is coming to Newcastle city centre | Caura

10 pre-checks you should be doing before booking an MOT

10 MOT pre-checks you can do yourself to minimise the risk of failing your test

We understand some checks can be quite tricky, so we've made a list of 10 checks you can do before you send your car off for its MOT:

Some examiners refuse to carry out MOTs when your car is not clean. This includes both the inside and outside of your car! Make sure to de-clutter your car, including your boot, before you send your car for its MOT

Number plates need to be readable to pass an MOT. Give them a quick clean

Ensure windscreen wipers are in a good condition, with no wear and tear

Check all your vehicle’s lights are in working order. Ask a friend or family member to stand outside and confirm that the lights function properly

Remember to check tyre tread using the 20p tyre test

Top up your screen wash fluid, brake fluid and oil

Give the car horn a quick honk to make sure it's working properly

Ensure that all your mirrors are intact and secure. Double check you can adjust them easily if you need to

Make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in your car’s V5C logbook matches that marked on the bodywork of your car

Check that the drivers seat slides back and forwards. It’s also important to check that all seat belts work properly and can be adjusted by tugging. 

Got an MOT due? Download Caura, head to the MOT tab and book a test as early as the next day!

In Caura, you can also manage upcoming renewals for things like your car tax and car insurance. We’ll send you reminders for when they’re due, and you can sort them directly in-app, too. 

Download Caura on the Apple App Store of Google Play Store today!

How do I know if my car needs to go for an MOT?

Any car over three years needs to pass an MOT test every year. The test will act as an annual check-up on your car to make sure that it’s still safe to drive on the road. MOT tests do not detect vehicle health issues such as problems with the clutch or engine that could cause a vehicle breakdown in the future. 

Find out more about what gets tested when your car goes for an MOT here.

It’s particularly important to remember that driving without an MOT is illegal. If caught, drivers could face up to £1,000 in fines in addition to points on your licence. 

The four most common reasons your car could fail its MOT

The most common cause of MOT failures is due to blown bulbs. Checks are done on all your vehicle’s lights, including the fog lights, indicators, and rear reflectors. Here’s what you can do to make sure you meet the test requirements:

Make sure the lights are positioned correctly and securely

Check that pairs of lights (for example, your headlights) emit light of the same colour. A simple visual check should suffice.

Check that lights turn on with a single operation of the switch

Springs, shock absorbers, suspension arms and joints will all be inspected during an MOT. This is one of the trickier ones to check yourself, but if it’s possible, double check both front and rear suspenders by making sure:

No components are excessively damaged or broken

Shock absorbers are secure and not leaking

Your tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm to pass your MOT [1]. Key issues involving tyres include:

Conducting a basic check by walking around the car to check for any tyre damage is encouraged. 

For a more thorough check of tyre tread, we highly recommend doing the '20p tyre test'. The way the test works is simple:

Take a 20p coin and place it into the main tread grooves of your tyre. 

If the outer band of the 20p coin is obscured when inserted, then your tread is above the legal limit

If the outer band of the coin is visible, then your tyres may be unsafe and should be checked by a qualified mechanic. 

Remember to check at least three locations around each tyre.


Another common reason for MOT failures is faulty brakes. Checks are done to ensure:

Your brakes, pedals and levers are in good condition

Make sure to test all three things before sending your car for an MOT.

Has your car ever failed its MOT? We understand how frustrating it can be when you end up having to pay for additional work you hadn’t previously budgeted for. We want to make things easier for you. So, we've compiled a list of the most common reasons your car could fail its MOT along with our top 10 tips for you to avoid this happening to you in the future.

Remember - if your MOT is due soon, sort it fast by downloading Caura and booking via the link in the MOT tab. If booked with an additional service, you’ll get £55 off!

Has your car ever failed its MOT? We understand how frustrating it can be when you end up having to pay for additional work you hadn't budgeted for. Read more about the different reasons your car could fail its MOT test, and how you can avoid this happening to you in the future.

Pre-checks you should be doing before booking an MOT | Caura

A look at everything we accomplished in 2022

Another milestone was launching our MOT partnership with ClickMechanic. What does this mean for Caura drivers? As usual, we’ll remind you when your MOT renewal is coming up. But now, you can also book an MOT test via the link in-app, and if booked with an additional service, you’ll get £55 off! Ending the year strong, just how we like it. 

Picking up from where we left off last year, our first massive win came in early as Caura was voted the Number 1 Start-up in the UK, and secured top spot on the 2023 list! Competing amongst hundreds of businesses transforming the technology sector, Caura came out on top, and we couldn’t be happier. 

We don’t want to reveal too much for what's next, but what we can say is we’ve got big plans in motion, so park yourselves in your seat because we've found a way to help you maintain your happiness. 😉 Stay tuned for what’s coming next!

Like most others, we kickstarted the year with a New Year’s resolution – and that was to give our app and website a bold new look and feel. That meant easier navigation, minimal steps to sort all things car admin and all in all, create an experience of what driving feels like when you #RunTheRoad. Read more about our re-brand here.

April – Introducing Caura's referral scheme

Our insurance experience is one of a kind. We’ve reduced the number of steps required to attain a quote by over 75%, getting you from quote to cover in a matter of 60 seconds. We wanted to give all Caura drivers an easy way to share this experience with their friends and family, but also earn something from it in the process.

Introducing Caura’s referral scheme! The way the scheme works is simple. Head to the ‘Refer’ tab in-app and hit ‘share code’. When your friend signs up to Caura, they get £50 off their next insurance policy in Caura. If they successfully buy a policy, you get £50 credit that you can use against your policy, too. The best part? It’s completely unlimited – so the more friends you refer, the more you could save!

June – Drivers can pay the Oxford ZEZ in Caura

Continuing on our journey to make Caura the one-stop-app to pay for all emission zones, we added Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) to Caura. The zone launched as a pilot in February 2022 and is expected to cover 10x the area by 2025. When it does, we’ll be ready.

July – Drivers of all vehicles can pay for Clean Air Zones in Caura

The Birmingham Clean Air Zone (CAZ) was the first all-vehicle Clean Air Zone to launch outside London – meaning all vehicles that didn’t meet the government set emission standards would have to pay a daily fee depending on their vehicle type, ranging from £8 - £50 to drive within the zone. 

Back in June 2021, we added the Birmingham CAZ to the app when the CAZ launched. However this was limited to only allowing drivers of cars, LGVs and taxis to pay the daily £8 fee.

In July '22, we updated pricing for all emission charges allowing all drivers, including those of coaches, buses and HGVs to pay. However, to keep things simple (as we always do), Caura only displays the correct fee depending on your vehicle and you can go ahead and pay in two taps as you usually do.

August & September – The rise of commercial zones (Bath, Bradford, Portsmouth)

Throughout the months of August and September, our team were busy adding all the various commercial Clean Air Zones to the app. Commercial Clean Air Zones are usually Class C or Class B zones which means that cars are exempt from paying the associated charges for those zones. Drivers of commercial vehicles can pay for the Bath Clean Air Zone, Bradford Clean Air Zone and Portsmouth Clean Air Zone in Caura.

As new commercial Clean Air Zones continue to launch across the country, we will continue to add them to the app. The ones to look out for are the Newcastle CAZ and Sheffield CAZ launching in the months of January and February this year.

November – Launched Bristol CAZ in-app and MOT partnership

November was a big month. The long-awaited Bristol Clean Air Zone finally launched on the 28th and was added to Caura the same day. Similar to the Birmingham CAZ, this meant that all drivers of non-compliant vehicles would need to pay the daily £9 fee to drive in the zone.

We wanted to make sure drivers were aware of what was coming to avoid what happened to drivers in Birmingham during the zone launch back in 2021. We even gained support of Bristol’s Mayor Marvin Rees, who loved our app and all the work we were doing to make sure drivers don’t get fined.

It’s truly been a great year for Caura, and looking back at everything we’ve accomplished, a busy one too! From giving Caura a total re-brand and adding new Clean Air Zones to the app, to a partnership with Bristol’s Mayor Marvin Rees - here’s a look at everything we achieved in 2022.

From giving the app a total makeover, to a partnership with Bristol's Mayor Marvin Rees. From launching the Bristol Clean Air Zone in-app to our MOT partnership with ClickMechanic - 2022 was an absolute rollercoaster and we're here for it. Find out more here!

A look at everything Caura accomplished in 2022 | Caura

Be prepared for the Bristol Clean Air Zone

Part 4: Now you’re prepared, make sure your friends are too

Know someone who might need to pay for the Bristol Clean Air Zone? Head to the ‘Refer’ tab in-app and send them your referral link to download Caura. They can check if they’re liable to pay using our Bristol Clean Air Zone vehicle checker and from there, they can pay the CAZ charge in a matter of seconds, too.

That’s not all. Each friend that signs up to Caura using your referral code will also get £50 credited to their account, ready for them to use against their insurance renewal. When their insurance is expiring, they can get speedy insurance quotes from market-leading insurers in-app in under a minute!

Your account will also be credited with £50 for each friend that takes out a successful insurance policy with Caura. Remember, the more friends you share your link with, the more you can save on your insurance!

Want a quick way to share Caura with your friends? We’ve made a handy infographic you can share on your socials below! 

Part 1: How will I know if I have driven into the CAZ? 

Signs have already been put up across the city on the roads that lead into the Clean Air Zone. Some signs will indicate how far away the zone is, and others will let you know when the zone starts and ends. All signs will have a symbol with the letter D on it, indicating the class of the CAZ. View the image below for some examples of signs. 

In addition to looking out for these signs while you’re driving, we also suggest you familiarise yourself with where the zone is in place. 

The charging zone will extend across the city centre and harbourside, covering the area from Bristol Temple Meads to the A4176 Portway. The zone will operate 24/7, and like all other Clean Air Zones, the charge will only need to be paid once, even if you are entering the zone multiple times a day.

For more information about the boundary of the Bristol Clean Air Zone, read through our Bristol CAZ page here.

Part 2: How do I know if my vehicle needs to pay the Bristol Clean Air Zone charge?

Bristol is a Class D zone, meaning buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), vans, minibuses and cars are all included in the charge, provided they don’t meet the minimum national emission standards.

To be exempt from the charge, your vehicle must meet the following emission standards:

Petrol vehicle: Meet Euro 4 emission standards (typically 2006 onwards)

Diesel vehicle: Meet Euro 6 emission standards (typically 2015 onwards)

Hybrid vehicle: Meet the above standards depending on fuel type

If you’re not sure whether your vehicle meets these requirements, don’t worry! Apart from making it easier for you to pay the charge, we’ve also created a Bristol Clean Air Zone vehicle checker! 

All you’d need to do is download Caura (available on the Apple app store and Google play store) and enter your vehicle registration number into the app. Once the Bristol Clean Air Zone goes live on the 28th of November, you will see the CAZ charge in-app, telling you if your vehicle is exempt, or if you need to pay the charge. 

In the meantime, the best way to check if you’re exempt from the Bristol CAZ is by tapping ‘City Charges’ in-app and looking at the Birmingham CAZ charge. Since Birmingham is also a Class D CAZ affecting all drivers of non-compliant vehicles, if the app tells you your vehicle is exempt from the Birmingham CAZ charge, it will also be exempt from the Bristol CAZ charge. Click here to view a video tutorial on how to check exemption status using our Clean Air Zone vehicle checker.

If your vehicle is not exempt, Caura will let you know exactly how much you need to pay depending on your vehicle type, and you can go ahead and pay in a matter of just two taps. By doing it this way, you’ll never have to worry about getting a fine!

There are quite a few temporary exemptions in place that last until March 31st 2023 to support residents whilst they look for a more sustainable mode of travel. If you fall within any of these categories, you will not need to pay the charge even if your vehicle doesn’t meet the minimum emission requirements. You will need to apply for an exemption on the Bristol City Council website – applications are open now. 

Part 3: How much is the Bristol Clean Air Zone charge, and how do I pay it?

The charge is £9 for cars, vans, taxis, minibuses, and light goods vehicles (LGVs) and £100 for HGVs, buses, and coaches. Motorcyclists are exempt from the charge. 

If you need to pay for the Bristol Clean Air Zone, Caura is the quickest and simplest way to pay. Once you’ve entered your vehicle registration number into the app, tap ‘City Charges’ and select ‘Bristol CAZ’. 

In Caura, you can pay for yesterday’s, today’s or tomorrow’s travel – make sure you choose the right date and pay through either Apple pay, Google pay, or your preferred bank card.

No more faffing around with fiddly online forms and having to upload your personal details every single time you drive into the zone. Manage the CAZ with Caura instead.

Driving into Bristol soon? Whether you live locally or are going to visit Bristol for the first time, you’re going to need to be aware of the new Bristol Clean Air Zone (CAZ) that goes live on Monday, 28th November 2022. From this date, all drivers of non-compliant vehicles, including cars, will need to pay the daily zone charge specific to their vehicle type.

We understand that navigating a new CAZ is confusing. Don’t worry, we’ve made you a step-by-step guide detailing how to check if you’re exempt from the charge or how to pay it in a matter of seconds.

Navigating a new Clean Air Zone can be confusing. We’ve made you a step-by-step guide detailing how to check if you’re exempt from the Bristol Clean Air Zone charge or how to pay it in a matter of seconds!

Be prepared for the Bristol Clean Air Zone: A guide to navigating the CAZ | Caura

A proper Brummie, he’s a strong, kind, cheeky chap that will be the heartbeat of the Games, overseeing the events and entertaining more than a billion people watching from Australia to India.     

The Commonwealth Games isn’t just a stadium event. It aims to inspire the whole city and spread vibrancy and life across high streets, neighbourhoods, parks and waterways with traditional art forms and more abstract bigger picture visions. 

The arts festival’s cultural programme will encourage people to explore, play and discover the region’s heritage. Plus, it’ll inspire young people to find ‘common ground’ in the Commonwealth through its three themes:

Stories of Birmingham & the West Midlands

The Urban Festival will embrace youth and diversity with music, free running, skateboarding, BMX, street dance and sport climbing. 

Zipping between venues means you’ll be all over the city. So, make sure you remember to pay the Clean Air Zone charge unless your vehicle is exempt. 

Tickets to the 2022 Commonwealth Games can be bought through ticket ballots until the end of July. To apply for tickets, create an account on the official Commonwealth Games website. You’ll then be updated on everything Games related and won’t miss out on any of the action.

Driving culture
On top of the global sporting prowess, Birmingham will also host a festival of culture, encouraging about 2.5 million people to get involved in an inspiring programme of creative opportunities across the West Midlands.

Who’ll be first out of the blocks? What new world records will be set? And who on earth is Perry the Bull? Continue reading and find out in our lightning guide to enjoying the Commonwealth Games.

Plus, while we’re talking about setting records, discover how to pay the Birmingham Clean Air Zone charge in just 5 seconds. Now that’s what you call a Personal Best in car management. 

Aquatics - Diving, Swimming & Para Swimming

Basketball 3x3 & Wheelchair Basketball 3x3

Who’s competing?
From Staffordshire swimmer Adam Peaty to Birmingham-born basketball player Myles Hesson, Birmingham 2022 has an impressive line-up of athletic stars. Joining them will be Brummie gymnast Joe Fraser, Solihull cricketer Amy Jones and over 400 more English athletes that have achieved qualifying performances. 

Where are the venues?
The Commonwealth Games will run between Thursday, July 28th and Monday, August 8th 2022 across a dynamic range of venues in the West Midlands. Arenas, stadiums and parks being used for the Games stretch from Coventry to Solihull, Leamington Spa to Sutton Coldfield.

The main sporting action and opening/closing ceremonies will take place in Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr.

Catch every foot-strike, stroke and shoot of the action here: 

University of Birmingham Hockey and Squash Centre, Birmingham

Named after Perry Barr (a suburban area in North Birmingham and the site of the stadium itself), Perry the Bull is the official Commonwealth Games mascot.

Driving in those zones means you’ll incur a fee unless your vehicle is exempt. If your vehicle meets the following emissions standards, you will not need to pay the daily CAZ charge:

For diesel / petrol electric hybrids, the vehicle should meet the relevant emission standards

Fully electric or hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles will not need to pay the charge

WELCOME TO THE ROADEO