BATH CLEAN AIR ZONE Checker

Verify if your vehicle meets Bristol’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) requirements using our free Bristol CAZ checker. Simply enter your vehicle registration number (VRM) to quickly check if your vehicle complies with the emission standards.

Notice If your vehicle does not meet emission standards, you may be required to pay a daily charge to drive in Bristol's Clean Air Zone.

How does the Bristol CAZ checker work?

The Bristol Clean Air Zone checker helps you find out if your vehicle will face a charge when entering the CAZ. Here’s how it works:

Enter Vehicle Details: Input your vehicle’s registration number (VRM) into the checker.
Check Compliance: The tool assesses if your vehicle meets the CAZ emission standards based on its Euro emission standard and fuel type.
Get Results: You’ll receive information on whether your vehicle is compliant and exempt from charges or if you need to pay a fee to enter the CAZ.

What is the Bristol CAZ?

Bristol’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is a measure to help the city meet government pollution limits and improve air quality. Here’s what you need to know:

The CAZ aims to reduce air pollution and ensure Bristol complies with legal pollution limits set by the government.
The zone is in effect and applies to vehicles not meeting the required emission standards. Non-compliant vehicles must pay a daily charge to drive within the zone unless they qualify for an exemption.
This initiative reflects Bristol’s dedication to enhancing air quality and protecting public health by targeting emissions from the most polluting vehicles.

Vehicles Exempt from Charges in the Bristol CAZ

Certain vehicles are exempt from charges in the Bristol Clean Air Zone if they meet specific emissions standards.

Here’s a guide to which vehicles are exempt:

Petrol Vehicles: Petrol cars are exempt if they meet the Euro 4 emissions standard, which usually includes vehicles registered from 2006 onwards. Older petrol models might also qualify, so check your vehicle’s emissions standard.
Diesel Vehicles: Diesel cars are exempt if they meet the Euro 6 emissions standard, typically for models registered from September 2015 onward. Most newer diesel vehicles will qualify, but checking your model’s compliance is best.
Hybrid Vehicles: Hybrid vehicles are exempt if their petrol or diesel engine meets the Euro 4 (for petrol) or Euro 6 (for diesel) emissions standards. Ensure the engine complies with these standards to avoid charges.
Electric Vehicles: Fully electric vehicles are exempt from CAZ charges as they produce zero tailpipe emissions. They can enter the zone freely.
Historic Vehicles: Vehicles over 40 years old, classified as “historic vehicles,” are not subject to CAZ charges. This typically includes classic and vintage cars.

How to Pay the Bristol Clean Air Zone Daily Charge

You can pay the CAZ charge up to six days before, on the day of travel, or within six days after entering the zone. The charge applies 24 hours a day, from midnight to midnight.

Payment Process

To make your payment, visit the official Clean Air Zone website. Businesses with multiple vehicles can set up a business account to streamline payment.

Penalties

If you do not pay the CAZ charge, you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £120, in addition to the CAZ charge. If you pay the PCN within 14 days, the fine is reduced to £60 plus the CAZ charge.

Daily Charge Rules

The daily charge allows you to enter and leave the CAZ as many times as you need on the day you pay, with only one charge applied for that day. If you drive in and out of the zone across different days, such as before and after midnight, you will need to pay the daily charge for both days.

Parking and Local Residents

Charges do not apply if your vehicle is parked within the zone and does not move. Local residents will only be charged if their vehicle is driven within the CAZ.

How to Pay the Bristol Clean Air Zone Penalty Charge Notice

You may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if your vehicle is not exempt or compliant with the CAZ standards and you have either driven in the CAZ without paying the required charge or failed to make the payment on time. The PCN amount can be either £9 or £100, depending on the vehicle, and is in addition to the outstanding CAZ charge.

How to Pay Your PCN

Locate the PCN number on your PCN letter, which starts with ‘BS5’. This number is crucial for processing your payment.
The easiest way to pay your PCN is through the official Bristol CAZ payment portal. Visit the provided link to make your payment online.
If you pay the PCN within 14 days of receiving it, you’ll receive a 50% discount on the PCN amount. Note that this discount applies only to the PCN charge; the CAZ charge must be paid in full.
You can pay by phone using Bristol City Council’s automated service at 0117 903 6402. Be aware that your phone provider may charge you for the call.
If you prefer to pay by cheque, make it payable to Bristol City Council and send it to:
Payment Processing (Parking PCN)
PO Box 3399
Bristol City Council
Bristol, BS1 9NE

Important Details

Payment Deadlines: You must pay both the CAZ charge and the PCN within 28 days from the date of the PCN.
Multiple Entries: If you drive in and out of the CAZ multiple times in one day, you will only be charged once per day. If you drive across two calendar days, you’ll need to pay the daily charge for each day.
Parking in the Zone: Charges do not apply if your vehicle is parked and not moving within the zone.

How To Appeal a Clean Air Zone Penalty Charge Notice

If you believe you have received a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) in error or have mitigating circumstances, you have the right to appeal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the appeals process for Bristol’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) PCN:

1. Check Your PCN

PCN Details: Ensure you have your vehicle registration number and the 10-digit Penalty Charge Notice number (beginning with BS5) from your PCN letter.

2. Appeal Options

Online Appeal: You can submit your appeal online. Visit the Bristol PCN online appeal portal: Appeal PCN Online. Please note that you can only appeal one PCN at a time. To appeal multiple PCNs, you need to fill out a separate form for each one.
Postal Appeal: If you prefer, you can send your appeal by post. Address your letter to:
Parking Services (PCN Appeals)
PO Box 3399
Bristol City Council
Bristol, BS1 9NE
Your appeal letter should include your vehicle registration number and your PCN number.

3. After Submission

PCN on Hold: Once your appeal is received, the PCN will be put on hold, and the amount due will be frozen until a decision is made.
Case Details: You can check your case details online, including any photographs or evidence related to your PCN: View Case Details.

4. If You Received a Charge Certificate

No Online Appeal: Note that if you’ve received a Charge Certificate, you cannot appeal online.
Contact Form: If you have a Charge Certificate but not the PCN, fill in the PCN Contact Form for assistance.

5. Contact Information

For any queries about your PCN or the appeals process, you can:

Fill in the Clean Air Zone Penalty Charge Notice contact form on the Bristol City Council website.
Call: 0117 903 6385

How to Apply for a Clean Air Zone Charge Refund in Bristol

If you believe you are entitled to a refund for a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charge, follow these guidelines to apply correctly:

1. Check Eligibility

Before applying for a refund, ensure that you fall into one of the following categories:

If your vehicle, which is compliant, was wrongly identified as non-compliant on the GOV.UK CAZ checker and you paid the zone charge to avoid a Penalty Charge Notice.
If you were diverted into the CAZ due to planned or unplanned diversions and paid the charge to avoid a Penalty Charge Notice.
If you received a Hospital Visitor Exemption after paying the zone charge. The exemption covers one day’s charge.
If you paid for the wrong vehicle type but later paid the correct charge for the right vehicle type.
If there are discrepancies due to registration errors, tax class changes, or delays in updating records from third parties.

2. Prepare Your Documentation

To apply for a refund, gather the following documents:

Proof that you paid the zone charge.
Your vehicle’s registration number.
The date when you made the payment.
Any additional evidence required for your specific refund request.

3. Apply for a Refund

You can apply for a refund using the Bristol City Council’s online refund form. Visit the following link to start your application: Apply for a Clean Air Zone Refund.

Refund Processing: Refunds are typically processed within 15 working days using the same payment method used for the original charge.

4. Important Notes

Refunds will not be issued if you paid for a non-compliant vehicle that was actually compliant, if you paid but did not travel through the zone, or if you paid for the wrong date or vehicle.
Apply for a refund within 6 months of your first CAZ payment if your vehicle is compliant but incorrectly charged, or within 28 days if the refund is related to diversions, exemptions, or incorrect vehicle type payments.

For any issues or questions, refer to the Bristol City Council’s contact information or their online resources for further assistance.

How to Apply for a Clean Air Zone Charge Refund in Bristol

Bristol’s CAZ offers various financial support options to help individuals and businesses transition to vehicles that meet the zone’s emission standards.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what support is available, who can apply, and how to register your interest.

Types of Financial Support Available

The support package, funded by a £42 million agreement with the government, includes:

Grants and Loans for Vehicle Replacement:
- Individuals: Up to £2,000 for cars.
- Taxis:
  - Private Hire: Up to £1,500.
  - Hackney: Up to £4,000.
- Vans and Light Goods Vehicles: Up to £4,500.
- Heavy Goods Vehicles and Coaches: Up to £16,000.
- Total Funding:
  - £1.8 million allocated to individuals needing vehicle replacement.
  - £32 million designated for businesses upgrading HGVs, LGVs, taxis, and private hire vehicles.
Public Transport and Cycling Support:
- £5.9 million allocated to promote public transport use and sustainable travel.
- Includes free electric bike loans, cycle training, and bus tickets.

Who Can Apply?

Individuals:
- Income Criteria: If you earn less than £30,000 and work in the CAZ, you are prioritized.
- Blue Badge Holders: Blue Badge holders or primary carers who live in the same household and regularly enter the CAZ may also be prioritized.
- Eligibility: Must be the registered keeper of the vehicle for at least 12 months.
Businesses:
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Businesses meeting at least two of the following conditions:
  - Annual turnover ≤ £36 million.
  - Balance sheet total ≤ £18 million.
  - Average number of employees ≤ 250.
- Taxi and Private Hire Drivers: Only available for drivers licensed with Bristol City Council.

How to Apply

Register Your Interest:
- Visit the registration page to express your interest in financial support. This is the first step to potentially receiving funding.
Application Process:
- Do Not sell your vehicle privately or replace it before receiving an official offer of financial support.
- Confirmation: Wait for Bristol City Council to contact you with further instructions.

Additional Information

Funding for Private Sales: The support scheme does not cover private vehicle sales or provide retrospective grants if you have already replaced your vehicle.
Appeals: If your application is turned down, you can appeal the decision through the financial support appeal form.

Sustainable Travel Options

To support a transition to cleaner travel methods, additional government-funded initiatives include:

Free cycling trials.
eScooter credits.
Bus taster tickets.

For more information on Bristol’s Clean Air Zone financial support and sustainable travel options, visit the official Bristol City Council Clean Air Zone page.

How Is the Money from BRISTOL CAZ Charges and Penalty Charge Notices Used?

Funds collected from Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charges and Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are used to support various operational and community-focused initiatives. Here’s a breakdown of how the money is utilized:

Operational Costs

Installation and Maintenance of Cameras: Funds are allocated to the setup and upkeep of cameras that monitor the zone.
Installation and Maintenance of Signs: This includes the costs associated with placing and maintaining signs that inform drivers about the zone and its regulations.
Staff and Administration Costs: Covers the expenses related to managing and administering the CAZ.
Decommissioning Cameras and Zone Changes: Funds may also be used for removing old equipment or making adjustments to the zone as needed.

Community and Environmental Projects

If there are surplus funds after covering operational costs, they are directed towards local projects aimed at improving sustainability and supporting drivers:

Clean Air Zone Financial Support: Assisting drivers with vehicles that do not meet emission standards to upgrade their vehicles through financial aid.
Active Travel Support: Encouraging sustainable travel methods by offering free support for walking, cycling, and other green transport options.

Allocation to Transport Schemes

Excess funds are also invested in existing and future transport schemes to enhance the overall transport infrastructure, including:

The goal is to use the funds effectively to enhance local transport systems and promote sustainable travel, ultimately improving air quality and supporting community initiatives.

Bristol caz Frequently asked questions

What happens if you don't pay your Bristol CAZ Charge?

If you do not pay or appeal your PCN within 14 days from the service date, you must pay the full PCN amount. The service date is specified on your PCN letter, and prompt action is essential to avoid additional costs.

After 28 Days

Should the PCN remain unpaid after 28 days, you might receive a reminder letter requesting payment of the outstanding amount. This formal notice is urging you to settle the charge before further penalties are incurred.

Charge Certificate

You could receive a Charge Certificate if payment is still not made after 28 days. This document increases the original amount due by 50%. Additionally, you may receive a text message reminding you of the outstanding payment.

Order for Recovery

Continued non-payment can lead to your case being registered with the Traffic Enforcement Centre at the County Court. This results in an Order for Recovery, which adds a £9 court registration fee to the total amount owed.

Involvement of Bailiffs

If the PCN remains unpaid even after the Order for Recovery, bailiffs may be instructed to recover the debt. This action will incur additional fees for the bailiffs’ services and could result in further legal complications.

Steps to Avoid Further Charges

Pay Promptly: To benefit from any available discounts and avoid additional charges, ensure you pay your PCN or submit an appeal within the 14-day period.
Monitor Deadlines: Monitor the deadlines provided in your PCN closely to address the issue in a timely manner.
Check for Reminders: Watch for reminder letters or text messages and respond accordingly to avoid escalating penalties.

How much is the Bath Clean Air Zone fine?

The Bath Clean Air Zone operates with a structured charging system tailored to the type of vehicle and its emissions.

Here’s how the charges break down in the Bath CAZ:

Buses, coaches, and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs): These larger vehicles, which can emit more pollutants, incur the highest fee. Non-compliant buses, coaches, and HGVs are charged £100 per day.
Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs): Older diesel and petrol taxis and PHVs that fall below certain emission standards are charged £ 9 daily.
Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs): Smaller commercial vehicles like vans are also charged £9 per day if they don’t meet the required emissions standards.

What happens if I don't pay the Clean Air Zone charge?

Failing to pay the Bath Clean Air Zone fee can result in financial penalties and extra hassle. Here’s what you need to know about the consequences and your options if you miss a payment:

Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)

Issuance of PCN: If you don’t pay the daily CAZ charge for a liable vehicle on time, you’ll receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). The charge for a PCN is £120.
Discount for Prompt Payment: To encourage quick payment, the PCN cost is reduced to £60 if you pay within fourteen days of issuance.
Payment Window: You can pay the daily CAZ charge from six days before your travel date to six days after. Use this window to avoid penalties.

How many days do I have to pay for the Clean Air Zone?

You typically have up to 6 days from the date of travel to pay the CAZ charge. If you do not pay within this period, you may receive a penalty notice. Be sure to check the exact payment deadlines to ensure compliance.

How do I know if I am entering a Clean Air Zone?

Signs and road markings will indicate the boundaries of the CAZ. These signs display information about the zone and any charges that may apply. Additionally, you can use online tools or apps to check if your route includes a CAZ.