What is the Bath Clean Air Zone?
As the first Clean Air Zone introduced outside of London in March 2021, Bath's Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is part of a nationwide scheme to crack down on air pollution. Since its launch, the scheme has successfully lowered levels of nitrogen dioxide by 21%, with more than 90% of HGVs, buses, coaches and taxis now compliant with emission standards.
Why does Bath need a Clean Air Zone?
"You can't see it and you can't smell it, but nitrogen dioxide is a hidden killer, contributing to as many as 36,000 early deaths in the UK each year." - Dr Bruce Laurence, director of public health.
When a city emits high levels of Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), it can affect a child's lung development and contribute to the development of asthma from an early age. The Bath CAZ is improving air quality by reducing air pollution to keep older residents and children of Bath safe.
If you drive a private car or motorcycle, you do not have to pay a charge. If your vehicle falls under these categories, you will need to pay the charge:
- Coaches and buses: Euro 1-5/V diesel and Euro 1 to 3 petrol (or earlier)
- Trucks and lorries (HGVs): Euro I to V diesel and Euro 1 to 3 petrol (or earlier)
- Taxis and private hire vehicles: Euro 1-5/V diesel and Euro 1 to 3 petrol (or earlier)
- Minibuses: Euro 1-5/V diesel and Euro 1 to 3 petrol (or earlier)
- Vans: Euro 1-5/V diesel and Euro 1 to 3 petrol (or earlier)
What you need to know
Bath is a Class C Zone, meaning buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans and minibuses are all included in the charge.
Bath CAZ operating times
Bath's Clean Air Zone will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All year round.
How much is the Bath CAZ charge?
The charge you need to pay is dependant on your vehicle type. Taxis, minibuses and vans need to pay a £9 fee whereas private HGVs, trucks, lorries, coaches and buses have to pay a £100 fee. Private cars or motorcycles are exempt from this charge.
Charges apply daily, so if you're entering and exiting the zone multiple times on the same day, you will only need to pay once.
But, if you drive in the zone across two days, for example before midnight and after midnight, you'll need to pay two daily charges.
Fines for the Bath CAZ
If you forget to pay the fee, you’ll get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) in the post for a £120 fine. This is reduced to £60 if you pay it within 14 days.
Bath CAZ charge exemptions
There are quite a few exemptions to the charges. If you own one of these vehicles, you might not have to pay the charge:
- Agricultural vehicles
- Showman's vehicles
- General haulage vehicles
- Recovery vehicles
- Special type vehicles
- Health service vehicles
- Emergency service vehicles
- Volunteer vehicles supporting the emergency services
There are also some local temporary exemptions to support the vulnerable groups in the community. These exemptions will expire on 15 March 2023:
- Wheelchair accessible taxis and private hire vehicles
- Community transport
- Blue Badge holders
- Community, health, education and social care workers
If you were in the middle of a vehicle upgrade, there are some exemptions in place to support you through the change process. These exemptions will only apply while the vehicle is on order:
- Upgrading with B&NES Finance Scheme
- Upgrading to a compliant vehicle outside of B&NES Finance Scheme
- Exemption under the terms of the Financial Assistance Scheme
Note that all of these exemptions are not automatic. You must submit an application through MiPermit via the Bath council website with appropriate supporting evidence.
Bath CAZ charge
How much of Bath does the zone cover?
Bath's Clean Air Zone is only in operation in the city centre. The zone operates 24/7, and like any other Clean Air Zone, the charge only applies once a day even upon multiple entries and exits to the zone.
The CAZ stretches as far south as Oldfield Road, and just shy of St. Stephen's Church on Lansdown Road in the north. The main locations in the zone are:
- Walcot
- Bathwick
- Kingsmead
- Lower Bristol Road
- King Edward's School
- Royal Victoria Park
How do I know if I'm about to drive into the CAZ?
As you drive towards Bath city centre, you’ll start to see CAZ signs. The signs will have a symbol with the Letter C, showing the Clean Air Zone class.
Pay the Bath CAZ charge with Caura
It just takes a few seconds to pay the Bath CAZ charge with Caura. Two taps and you’re done.
Simply download the app, enter your vehicle registration number, find Bath CAZ under City Charges and pay. All receipts are stored in the app, ready for you whenever you need them.
One app for everything car, all in one place
We don’t just help you with city charges. From vehicle tax to yearly insurance – Caura sorts all your admin so you can focus on the task at hand. Managing multiple vehicles? We've got you! Simply add all your cars to the same account for easy, quick payments.
Or thinking of heading to Bristol for the day? Plan ahead and pay for the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charge quickly in Caura. Find out more about the Bristol CAZ charge here.
