Newcastle Tyneside CLEAN AIR ZONE Checker

Wondering if your vehicle meets Newcastle CAZ standards? Use our free CAZ checker to find out. Just enter your vehicle registration number (VRM) to get an instant update on whether your car complies with the city’s emission rules.

Notice If your vehicle doesn’t meet the standards, you might need to pay a daily charge to drive within Tyneside's Clean Air Zone.

How does the Newcastle CAZ checker work?

The Tyneside CAZ checker is a tool designed to check if your vehicle will incur a charge when entering the CAZ. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it works:

Enter Your Vehicle Registration: Type in your vehicle’s registration number. This helps the system get information about your vehicle’s emissions.
System Analysis: The checker will compare your vehicle’s details with CAZ emission standards to see if it meets the required Euro emissions standards or if it needs a charge.
Check the Results: You’ll see if your vehicle is compliant or if you’ll need to pay a fee.

The checker uses data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), which has a database of registered vehicles and their emissions details. The CAZ checker helps you avoid surprise charges and ensures your vehicle complies with the Clean Air Zone rules.

What is the Tyneside CLEAN air zone?

The Tyneside Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is in parts of Newcastle and Gateshead. It aims to improve air quality by reducing high-polluting vehicles. The zone includes:

Newcastle city centre
Major routes over the River Tyne, like the Swing, High Level, and Redheugh bridges

Some vehicles don’t have to pay charges, such as:

Private cars
Motorbikes
Vehicles meeting certain emissions standards

If you have an older taxi, van, bus, coach, or heavy goods vehicle (HGV), check if it’s affected. For details, visit the Breathe Clean Air website:

See if your vehicle is impacted
Apply for grants to upgrade to a cleaner vehicle
Understand exemptions and how to apply
Find out how and when to pay any charges

How to pay the NEWCAsTLE Clean Air Zone charge

If you drive a vehicle that doesn’t meet the emissions standards into Newcastle’s CAZ, you must pay the CAZ charge to avoid penalties. Here’s how to do it:

1. Check Your Vehicle’s Compliance

Before paying, check if your vehicle meets the CAZ emissions standards. Use the checker tool to verify your vehicle’s compliance and see if you need to pay the charge.

2. Making the Payment

You can pay the CAZ charge in these ways:

Online Payment: Go to the national Clean Air Zone website. It’s best to pay up to six days before entering the zone, on the day of travel, or by 11:59 p.m. on the sixth day after entering the zone.
Telephone Payment: Call 0300 029 8888 to pay by phone. The service is available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 7 pm and on Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm. Have your vehicle details ready for a quick payment process.

3. Avoid Third-Party Services

Avoid using third-party websites or apps to pay, as they often charge extra fees. Use the official payment methods listed above to avoid additional costs.

4. Payment Deadlines

You won’t get a reminder, so be sure to pay within these time frames:

Up to Six Days in Advance: Pay before entering the CAZ.
On the Day of Travel: Pay before or on the day you drive into the zone.
By 11:59 pm on the Sixth Day After Travel: You have up to six days after travelling in the CAZ to make your payment.

How to Check If You’re Eligible for a Grant for Newcastle CAZ Grant

If you drive a vehicle that doesn’t meet the emissions standards in Newcastle and Gateshead’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ), you might qualify for financial help to replace or upgrade your vehicle. Here’s a simple guide to see if you’re eligible for a grant:

1. Check Your Vehicle’s Compliance

First, find out if your vehicle is affected by the CAZ regulations:

Use the government’s online vehicle checker to see if your vehicle meets emissions standards. This will tell you if your vehicle is non-compliant and subject to CAZ charges.

2. Understand Grant Eligibility Criteria

Grants are available for different types of non-compliant vehicles:

Taxis (Hackney carriage and private hire vehicles): Up to £3,500
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis: Up to £4,000
Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs): Up to £4,500
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs): Up to £16,000
Buses and Coaches: Up to £16,000

Grants depend on the sale and purchase prices of your old and new vehicles. Make sure your vehicle fits into one of these categories.

3. Review Changes to the Grants Scheme

Recent updates include:

Vans, Light Goods Vehicles, and Minibuses: Residents and businesses in Newcastle, Gateshead, or North Tyneside can apply without needing to show regular business activity within the CAZ.
Note: Grants for buses and coaches are currently on hold pending new government guidelines.

4. Verify Your Residence or Business Address

Check that your vehicle is registered to an address in the qualifying areas:

If you live or run a business in Newcastle, Gateshead, or North Tyneside, you are likely eligible. Vehicles registered elsewhere in Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, or County Durham might not qualify under the new terms.

5. Complete the Application Form

To apply for a grant:

Fill out the application form available HERE. Provide accurate information to avoid delays or rejection.

6. Await Confirmation

After submitting your application:

An initial check will confirm your eligibility. If approved, you’ll get an approval letter with details on the next steps and financial providers to contact.

7. Receive a 90-Day Exemption

If approved:

You’ll get a 90-day exemption from CAZ charges, giving you time to complete the funding process and get a compliant vehicle without extra charges.

8. Review the Appeals Process

If your application is denied:

You’ll receive information on how to appeal. Follow the provided steps to contest any issues with your application.

Newcastle caz Frequently asked questions

Can my car go into the Newcastle Clean Air Zone?

Cars that don’t meet the required Euro emission standards may need to pay a daily fee. Check your car’s emissions rating or use the online checker tool.

How do I know if I need to pay a Clean Air Zone charge?

To see if you need to pay a charge, compare your vehicle’s emission standards with the CAZ criteria. Use the online checker to determine if your vehicle falls into a chargeable category based on its emissions. You’ll need to pay the fee if it doesn’t meet the standards.

How do I know if I have to pay CAZ?

To determine if you need to pay the CAZ charge, use the Birmingham CAZ checker tool. Enter your vehicle’s registration number to see if it meets the emissions standards required to avoid the charge.

Where is the Clean Air Zone in Gateshead?

The Clean Air Zone in Gateshead overlaps with parts of Newcastle. It includes key routes and city centers to reduce pollution and improve air quality.

Is Newcastle classed as Tyneside?

Yes, Newcastle is part of the Tyneside area, which includes the region around the River Tyne. Tyneside covers Newcastle upon Tyne and neighbouring areas like Gateshead. The Clean Air Zone in Newcastle and Gateshead aims to improve air quality across Tyneside.

What cars don’t pay for a Clean Air Zone?

Cars that meet the required Euro emission standards don’t have to pay CAZ charges. Newer cars with Euro 6 (diesel) or Euro 4 (petrol) standards are typically exempt. Emergency service vehicles, community transport vehicles, and cars registered to local businesses within the CAZ are also exempt.