BRADFORD CLEAN AIR ZONE Checker

Check if your vehicle meets the requirements of Bradford’s Clean Air Zone with our complimentary Bradford CAZ checker. Just input your vehicle registration number (VRM) to quickly determine if your car complies with the emission standards.

Enter your vehicle registration number.
  • It takes 5 seconds to do a CAZ check

How does the Bradford CAZ checker work?

The Bradford CAZ vehicle checker helps determine if your vehicle meets the emissions standards needed to drive in Bradford’s CAZ. Here’s how it works:

  1. Enter Registration Number: Input your vehicle’s registration number into the checker. This allows it to access details about your vehicle, such as its make, model, year, fuel type, and emissions standards.

  2. Check Compliance: The checker will compare your vehicle’s details with the CAZ requirements. Petrol vehicles must meet at least Euro 4, and diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6.

  3. Get Results: After the comparison, the checker will show whether your vehicle meets the standards. If it does, you won’t need to pay a CAZ charge. If not, you will be informed that a CAZ charge might apply.

  4. Data Sources: The checker uses up-to-date information from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), which tracks registered vehicles and their emissions.

Using the Bradford CAZ checker helps you avoid surprise charges. If you’re unsure about your vehicle’s compliance, it’s a good idea to use it before driving in the CAZ.

What is the Bradford CAZ?

The Bradford Clean Air Zone aims to improve air quality in Bradford by setting emission standards for vehicles. It covers the city centre and nearby areas to reduce traffic pollution.

Launched on September 26, 2022, the CAZ is part of Bradford’s plan to meet national air quality goals. It targets older, more polluting vehicles to help reduce urban air pollution.

If your vehicle doesn’t meet the CAZ standards, you’ll have to pay a daily charge to enter the zone. The charge depends on the type of vehicle and its emission standards, including cars, vans, and buses. This system encourages the use of cleaner vehicles and helps lower overall emissions.

The money from these charges goes back into local environmental and transportation projects, helping to cut air pollution further and improve public transport.

Use the Bradford CAZ checker tool to check if your vehicle meets the CAZ standards.

Which cars are free to drive in the Bradford CAZ?

In the Bradford Clean Air Zone, certain vehicles can enter without paying a charge if they meet the emissions standards. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Petrol Cars: Must meet at least Euro 4 emissions standards, which usually applies to cars registered from January 2006 onwards. Check your specific vehicle to confirm.

  • Diesel Cars: Need to meet Euro 6 standards, generally found in vehicles registered from September 2015 onward. Make sure your car meets this standard to avoid charges.

  • Hybrid Vehicles: Exempt if their petrol or diesel engine meets Euro 4 (for petrol) or Euro 6 (for diesel) standards.

  • Electric Vehicles: Fully electric cars are exempt since they have zero tailpipe emissions.

  • Historic Vehicles: Cars over 40 years old, classified as “historic,” are also exempt.

  • Special Exemptions: Some vehicles used for education, charity, or social work may be exempt. Certain local residents and small businesses affected by the CAZ might also qualify for exemptions.

To check if your vehicle meets the Bath CAZ standards, use the Bath CAZ checker tool. Just enter your vehicle’s registration number to see if you’re exempt from the charge.

How to pay the daily bradford CAZ charge

If your vehicle does not meet the required emission standards and is not exempt, you must pay a daily charge to drive within the Bradford Clean Air Zone (CAZ). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pay this charge:

1. Determine if You Need to Pay

First, confirm whether your vehicle is subject to the CAZ charge by checking its emission standards. You can find this information on your V5c document or by contacting the DVLA. Then, use the government website www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones to see if your vehicle incurs charges.

2. Understand the Chargeable Days

A ‘day’ for charging purposes is defined as midnight to midnight. This means you can enter and leave the CAZ multiple times within this timeframe and incur only one charge. However, if you cross into the CAZ before midnight and out after midnight, you will be charged for two days.

3. Payment Options

You have several options for paying the CAZ charge:

  • Online: Visit the government’s Clean Air Zones website to make your payment. This platform allows you to pay for a single day or multiple days in advance, on the day of your visit, or up to 6 days after your visit.

  • Phone: Call the National Contact Centre at 0300 029 8888. The helpline is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This option is convenient if you prefer to handle payments verbally.

4. Payment Timing

You can make your payment:

  • Up to 6 days before your visit.
  • On the day of your visit.
  • Up to 6 days after your visit.

5. No Notifications

Be aware that you will not receive any notification or alert advising you that you have entered the CAZ and that payment is due. It is your responsibility as a driver to manage and ensure payment is made within the required timeframe.

6. Penalties for Non-Payment

If you fail to pay the daily charge within the allowed payment window, you will incur a penalty charge of £120 in addition to the original road user charge. It is crucial to ensure timely payment to avoid additional costs.

7. Setting Up a Business Account

Setting up a business user account on the Drive in a Clean Air Zone portal for businesses managing multiple vehicles can simplify the process. To create an account, you will need:

  • Your company name.
  • An email address.
  • A CSV file containing your vehicle registration numbers.

This account allows you to manage and process payments efficiently, assign account managers, and set up a Bank Mandate.

How to pay the bradford CAZ Penalty charge

If you got a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for driving in Bradford’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and didn’t pay the charge on time, follow these steps to settle the PCN and avoid extra fines:

  1. Know the Amount You Owe

    • PCN: £120
    • CAZ Daily Charge (depends on your vehicle type):
      • £7
      • £9
      • £50
    • Add the PCN and CAZ daily charges to get the total amount due.

  2. Payment Deadlines

    • Full Payment: You have 28 days from the ‘date of service’ on your PCN, which is usually two working days after the post date shown on your PCN.
    • Discounted Payment: Pay within 14 days from the service date to reduce the PCN to £60. The CAZ charge stays the same.

  3. How to Pay

    • Online:

      • Go to the Bradford CAZ PCN Payment Portal: Pay PCN Online
      • Enter:
        • Your PCN number (e.g., DY12345678)
        • Your vehicle registration number
      • Follow the instructions to complete your payment.

    • By Telephone:

      • Call 0345 145 0071
      • Use your credit or debit card.
      • Wait at least one working day after the PCN was issued before paying.

  4. Important Notes

    • Avoid Extra Fines: Enforcement actions will continue if you don’t pay or appeal.
    • Appeal: You can appeal if you think the PCN was a mistake. Check the PCN guidelines or Bradford Council’s website for details on how to appeal.

How To Appeal a Bradford CAZ penalty charge

You can appeal if you’ve received a PCN for driving in the Bradford Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and think it was issued by mistake.

1. Grounds for Appeal

  • Vehicle Ownership Dispute

    • Not the Owner at the Time: If you didn’t own the vehicle when the PCN was issued, provide the new owner’s name, address, and proof of sale (e.g., a dated invoice).
    • Acquired After Incident: If you bought the vehicle after the incident, give the previous owner’s name, address, and proof of transfer (e.g., invoice, vehicle registration document).

  • Charge Does Not Apply

    • Emissions Standard or Exemption: If your vehicle meets the emissions standard or has an exemption, provide proof (e.g., updated V5c or exemption award letter).

  • Charge Paid

    • License Purchase: If you bought a license from the Drive In A Clean Air Zone website, provide the receipt or payment reference number.

  • Unauthorized Use

    • Stolen Vehicle: If the vehicle was stolen or used without your consent, provide details of the suspected user, as well as relevant police or insurance reference numbers.

  • Vehicle Hire or Lease

    • In Use by Hirer or Lessee: If the vehicle was hired or leased, provide the hirer’s or lessee’s details and a copy of the hire or lease agreement showing liability for charges.

  • Procedural Error

    • Council Error: Explain if there was a procedural error with your PCN.

  • Excessive Penalty Charge

    • Incorrect Amount: Provide evidence if the penalty amount is incorrect.

2. How to Submit Your Appeal

  • Online

    • Visit the Bradford CAZ PCN website to view vehicle images and submit your appeal. You’ll need your PCN reference number and vehicle registration number.

  • By Post

    • Send your appeal and evidence to:
      Clean Air Zone Enforcement Office 1st Floor Britannia House Hall Ings Bradford BD1 1HX

3. What to Expect After Submitting Your Appeal

  • Acknowledgement: You’ll get an automated email confirming receipt if you submit it online.

  • Enforcement Process: Enforcement will be paused while your appeal is reviewed. If you wish to pay later, submit your appeal quickly to pause the process during the 14-day discounted payment period.

  • Decision Time: The decision can take up to 56 days. Provide all evidence initially to avoid delays. The council will contact you if more evidence is needed.

  • Outcome Notification: You’ll receive a written decision. If successful, your PCN will be cancelled.

4. Final Tips

  • Include all evidence in your initial submission to avoid delays.
  • Keep copies of all documents and communications related to your appeal.
  • Act quickly to meet deadlines and ensure your appeal is considered.

What will happen if I don't pay?

If you don’t pay the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) daily charges or the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) in Bradford, here’s what could happen:

  1. Initial Penalty Charge

    • PCN Issued: If you don’t pay the CAZ daily charge on time, you’ll get a PCN. The initial fine is £120, plus any unpaid CAZ daily charge.

  2. Increased Penalty for Non-Payment

    • 28 Days: If you don’t pay or challenge the PCN within 28 days, the penalty increases by 50% to £180. You’ll also need to pay any outstanding CAZ charges.

  3. Further Consequences After Charge Certificate

    • 14 Days: If you still don’t pay within 14 days of receiving a Charge Certificate, the case goes to the Traffic Enforcement Centre (TEC) at Northampton County Court, adding an extra cost of £9.

  4. Order for Recovery

    • 21 Days: Once the case is with TEC, you’ll get an Order for Recovery (form TE3). You have 21 days to pay or submit a witness statement (form TE9). Ignoring this can lead to more enforcement actions.

To avoid these escalating costs and legal issues, address any PCNs or CAZ charges as soon as possible.

Bath caz Frequently asked questions

What is a CAZ in Bradford?

The Clean Air Zone in Bradford is an area where vehicles must meet specific emissions standards to help reduce air pollution. It covers the city center and nearby areas to improve air quality by limiting access for high-polluting vehicles.

How much is the Bradford Clean Air Zone Fine?

Daily charges for non-compliant vehicles in the Bradford CAZ are:

  • Private Cars and Vans (LGVs): £9
  • HGVs, Buses, and Coaches: £50
  • Taxis and Hackney Carriages: £12.50

What vehicles are exempt from a CAZ?

Exemptions from CAZ charges include:

  • Blue Badge Holders: Vehicles registered with Bradford City Council by Blue Badge holders.
  • Military and Emergency Vehicles: All military and emergency service vehicles.
  • Historic Vehicles: Vehicles over 40 years old.
  • Disabled Tax Class Vehicles: Vehicles registered under the Disabled Tax Class.
  • Recovery Vehicles: Vehicles used for recovery operations.
  • School Buses: Buses used for transporting students.

How do I know if I have to pay CAZ?

To find out if you need to pay the CAZ charge, use the Bradford CAZ checker tool. Enter your vehicle’s registration number to check if it meets the CAZ emissions standards.

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