After many a delay, we finally have a date!
Last week, Bristol City Council announced that Bristol’s new Clean Air Zone will come into operation on November 28th, 2022.
The scheme that was originally meant to launch in October last year will see the drivers of older, more polluting vehicles pay a daily charge to enter the zone. It is estimated that 30% of vehicles driving in the zone will be affected and that 75,000 drivers will pay the charge each day.
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
Approximately 5 people die in Bristol every week because of toxic air pollution – those most vulnerable include children, older people and those with heart, breathing and underlying health conditions.
The Clean Air Zone will aim to improve air quality by reducing air pollution by 2023, in line with the legal requirements set by the WHO.
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.
What you need to know
Bristol will be 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 will operate 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. Once the Bristol charge goes live on Caura on the 28th of November, the easiest way to check if you’re exempt from the CAZ charge will be to download the Caura app and enter your vehicle registration number.
Fines for the Bristol CAZ
We will have more information on fines for late emission charge payments closer to the zone going live.
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 working in the zone. - If you live outside the CAZ, but work inside of it 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.
Bristol CAZ charge
How much of Bristol does the zone cover?
The charging zone will extend across the city centre and harbourside. The zone will operate 24/7, and like any other Clean Air Zone, the charge will only apply 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 will run 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
- Pritchard Street
- Upper Maudlin Street
- Perry Road
- Park Row
- Woodland Road
- Lodge Street
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 will have a symbol with the Letter D, showing the Clean Air Zone class.
How do I pay the CAZ charge?
Closer to its launch date, the Bristol CAZ charge will be available to pay on Caura. Get a head start by downloading Caura and loading 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. Once the zone goes live, we will send you a notification in-app as a reminder so that you never miss a charge!
Manage all your car admin in one app
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 Bath for the day? Plan ahead and pay for the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charge quickly in Caura. Find out more about the Bath CAZ charge here.
