What is the Bristol Clean Air Zone?

In order to reduce harmful levels for air pollution in the city's air, Bristol City Council introduced a Clean Air Zone.

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The Bristol CAZ means that all drivers of older, more polluting vehicles need to pay a daily charge to enter the zone.

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Around 25% of vehicles driving in the zone are affected meaning around 75,000 drivers will need to pay the charge each day.

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Why does Bristol need a Clean Air Zone?

“Poor air quality has a major impact on the health of everyone in the city and the Clean Air Zone will help us tackle this issue and meet government targets for cleaner air in 2023.” – Mayor Marvin Rees

Air pollution contributes to around 300 deaths each year in Bristol. Those most vulnerable include children, older people and those with heart, breathing and underlying health conditions.

The Clean Air Zone aims to improve air quality by reducing air pollution by 2023, in line with the legal requirements set by the government.

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

Petrol vehicle: Meet Euro 4 emission standards. (roughly 2006 onwards)
Diesel vehicle: Meet Euro 6 emission standards. (roughly 2015 onwards)
Hybrid vehicle: Meet the above standards dependant on fuel type.
Have a fully electric vehicle.

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What you need to know

Bristol is a Class D Zone, meaning buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses and cars are all included in the charge.

Bristol CAZ operating times

Bristol’s Clean Air Zone operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All year round.

How much is the Bristol CAZ charge?

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

It is down to you to know if your vehicle meets emission standards. The easiest way to check if you’re exempt from the CAZ charge is by downloading the Caura app and entering your vehicle registration number.

Fines for the Bristol CAZ

If you fail to pay the CAZ you will be issued with a penalty charge notice of £120, which is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. The Penalty Charge is payable in addition to the Clean Air Zone daily charge dependant on your vehicle type.

Bristol CAZ charge exemptions

There are quite a few exemptions to the charges. If you’re one of these people, you might not have to pay the charge:

- Residents - If you live in the Clean Air Zone and have a vehicle that will be charges, you can apply for an exemption.

- People who earn less than £26,000 a year.

- Blue badge holders

- Hospital patients and visitors

If you fall under any of these categories, you will not have to pay the charge even if your vehicle doesn’t meet the emission requirements. However, you will need to apply for exemption on the Bristol Council website – applications for this will open in September.

The Bristol Council website also states that these exemptions will expire on 31st March 2023.

How much of Bristol does the zone cover?

The charging zone extends across the city centre and harbourside. 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.

From Cumberland Basin in the west to Temple Meads & Cabot Circus in the east. From the Bearpit & BRI in the north to Coronation Road in the south. The border of the CAZ runs along the following streets to create an enclosed zone:

Temple Way

Temple Gate

Approach Road

Old Market Street

Bond Street South

Temple Bridge

Newfoundland Way

Houlton Street

Bond Street

St James Barton Roundabout

Marlborough Street

York Street

Brunswick Square

Brunswick Square

Pritchard Street

Upper Maudlin Street

Perry RoadPark Row

Woodland Road

Lodge Street

Trenchard Street

Frogmore Street

Park Street

Hotwell Road

Brunel WayBath Road

How do I know if I’m about to drive into the CAZ?

As you drive towards Bristol, you’ll start to see CAZ signs. The signs have a symbol with the Letter D, showing the Clean Air Zone class.

How do I pay the CAZ charge?

The fastest way to pay the Bristol CAZ charge is on Caura. Simply download Caura and load your car (or cars) onto the app. Along with paying for the Bristol CAZ charge, the app will also tell you whether you are exempt.

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BRISTOL CLEAN AIR ZONE

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