BIRMINGHAM CLEAN AIR ZONE Checker

If your vehicle does not meet the required emissions standards, you must pay the Clean Air Zone charge in Birmingham.

Charges apply to vehicles that do not comply with the Euro 4 (for petrol), Euro 6 (for diesel), or Euro 6 (for gas) emissions standards.

Cars exempt from the Birmingham CAZ include:

• Diesel vehicles meeting the Euro 6 (VI) standard or better.
• Petrol vehicles meeting the Euro 4 standard or better.
• Gas vehicles meeting the Euro 6 (VI) standard or better.
• Hybrid vehicles with engines meeting the relevant Euro 4 or Euro 6 standards.
• Full electric or zero-emission vehicles.

The Birmingham Clean Air Zone (CAZ) covers the area inside the A4540 Middleway Ring Road, but it’s important to note that the Middleway itself is not included in the CAZ.

This means the CAZ regulations and charges affect only the zones within this boundary.

The CAZ operates continuously, every day of the year, to consistently help improve air quality.

• Boundary: The area inside the A4540 Middleway Ring Road.
• Exclusion: The Middleway Ring Road itself is not included in the CAZ.
• Operational Hours: The CAZ is operational 24/7, all year round.

In Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ), the cost to enter depends on your vehicle type:

• Private Cars and Vans (LGVs): £8 per day. To avoid this fee, vehicles must meet Euro 4 emissions standards for petrol or Euro 6 for diesel.

• Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles: Also £8 per day, with the same emissions standards as private cars and vans.

• Buses, Coaches, and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs): £50 per day. To avoid this charge, they must meet the Euro VI emissions standard.

Charges apply 24/7, so the daily fee is the same at all times, with no extra costs during peak hours or discounts during off-peak times.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pay the Birmingham CAZ charge by phone:

1. Before you call, have your vehicle registration number and payment details handy.
2. Dial 0300 029 8888. The lines are open Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 4:30 pm.
3. When prompted, give your vehicle registration number to check if a charge is due for entering the CAZ.
4. The operator will tell you the charge amount based on your vehicle type.
5. Follow the operator’s instructions to complete your payment. You’ll need to provide your payment details over the phone.
6. Make sure to get a confirmation reference number for your records. This is crucial for any future disputes or issues regarding your payment.

To avoid the Birmingham Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charges, follow these tips:

• Plan Your Route: Use maps or navigation apps to avoid driving through the CAZ, which is within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road but not including the Middleway itself.

• Check Vehicle Compliance: Before traveling, use the Birmingham CAZ checker tool to see if your vehicle meets the emissions standards. If it doesn’t, look for alternatives.

• Use Alternative Transport: Consider public transport, cycling, or walking to bypass the CAZ while still reaching your destination.

• Carpool: Sharing a ride can cut down the number of vehicles and might help you avoid CAZ charges if you’re traveling with someone whose vehicle meets the standards.

• Switch Vehicles: If you often drive in the CAZ and your vehicle doesn’t meet the standards, consider upgrading to a compliant vehicle, such as a Euro 4 petrol, Euro 6 diesel, or electric vehicle.

• Take Advantage of Exemptions: If you drive a historic vehicle (over 40 years old) or an electric vehicle, you don’t have to pay the CAZ charges. Make sure your vehicle meets these criteria and is registered.