How to Pay Clean Air Zone Charge in Birmingham

The Birmingham Clean Air Zone is a significant measure aimed at improving air quality and ensuring a healthier environment for all residents of the industrial city.

By making drivers choose cleaner transportation or pay a fee, the CAZ helps create a greener urban space.

This rule proves Birmingham’s dedication to a sustainable future and sets an example for other cities facing similar air quality issues.

This article will guide you through the easy steps to pay Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone Charge, helping you contribute to a greener Birmingham.

What Vehicles Will Be Charged for Entering the Air Zone in Birmingham?

The CAZ targets vehicles that don’t meet certain emission standards to reduce air pollution.

Here are the key details about vehicle compliance and charges:

1. Private Cars

Petrol cars must meet the Euro 4 standard (generally cars made from 2006 onwards).

Diesel cars must meet the Euro 6 standard (usually cars made after 2015). If your car doesn’t meet these standards, you’ll need to pay the CAZ charge.

2. Commercial Vehicles

This includes larger vehicles like trucks and buses, which must meet the Euro 6 standard. Older models that don’t comply will be charged when entering the zone.

3. Non-compliant Vehicles

If you have a diesel vehicle made before 2015 or a petrol vehicle made before 2006, you will likely have to pay a charge when entering the CAZ in Birmingham.

How to Pay Clean Air Zone Charge in Birmingham

Paying the CAZ charge in Birmingham is easy, with several options available to suit your needs. Knowing the payment timeline is also important to avoid penalties.

1. Online Payment

The easiest way to pay is through the government’s official payment system. Visit the official website and use your vehicle registration details to quickly and securely pay the charge.

Visit the payment page.
Pick ‘Pay a charge for a vehicle‘ out of the options and continue.
Enter your vehicle registration number and continue.
Confirm if the details of your car are correct.
Follow the on-screen guidelines to complete your payment.

2. Phone Payment

You can also pay over the phone by calling the Government’s Clean Air Zone team at 0300 029 8888. They can assist with inquiries and process payments directly.

Note: Payments for the Birmingham CAZ must be made through the specified online platform or by phone. Birmingham City Council does not handle these payments.

Payment Timeline

To avoid penalties, follow this payment timeline:

Before Entering the Zone: You can pay up to 6 days in advance.
Day of Entry: Payment can be made on the day you enter the CAZ.
After Exiting the Zone: You have 6 days after entering the zone to make your payment. The deadline is 11:59 PM on the sixth day after your entry.

How Much Will Drivers Be Charged for Entering the Clean Air Zone in Birmingham?

The charges depend on the type of vehicle, reflecting their environmental impact. Here’s a breakdown of the charges:

Cars, Taxis, and Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs): Most private cars, taxis, and small commercial vehicles like vans are charged £8 per day. This fee applies to all non-compliant vehicles in these categories.
Coaches, Buses, and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs): Larger vehicles, including coaches, buses, and HGVs, are charged £50 per day due to their greater environmental impact.

Important Points to Remember

The charges apply each day a non-compliant vehicle enters the Clean Air Zone. If your vehicle stays within the zone for multiple days, the charge applies for each day.
These charges can be paid online or by phone using the methods discussed earlier.

How You Can Tell If You Have Entered the Clean Air Zone in Birmingham

Navigating Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is easy thanks to clear signage that informs drivers when they are entering or leaving the area.

1. Entry Signs

As you approach the CAZ, you’ll see signposts indicating you are about to enter the zone.

These signs are placed to give drivers enough notice before entering the chargeable area.

2. Boundary Signs

Within the zone, regular signs mark the CAZ boundaries.

These help you know exactly where the zone starts and ends, ensuring you are aware of when you are in the chargeable area.

3. Exit Signs

Similar to entry signs, exit signs let you know when you are leaving the CAZ.

This helps you manage your travel and avoid unnecessary charges.

How to Pay Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone Penalty Charge

If you receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for not complying with Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone regulations, it’s important to pay it quickly to avoid extra fines. Here’s how to handle it:

You’ll get a penalty if your vehicle enters the CAZ without paying the required charge and doesn’t meet emission standards. The PCN will detail the violation and the amount due.

1. Pay Online

You’ll need the 10-digit PCN number from your notice and your vehicle registration number.
Visit the official payment portal here.

Online payments may be unavailable for the first 24 hours after your PCN is issued. If you have trouble paying online after this time, use another method.

2. Pay by Phone

Call 0121 667 4964 to pay by phone. This line is open 24/7, but call charges may vary based on your mobile provider.

3. Pay by Cash

Take your PCN to any PayPoint outlet. The barcode on your notice will be scanned for a cash payment. To find a nearby PayPoint outlet, visit the PayPoint website.

4. Pay by Cheque or Postal Order

Use the payment slip included with your PCN and send it to:
Birmingham City Council (Highways)
PO Box 77
Birmingham B4 7WA

Allow at least 2 working days for 1st class posts and 5 working days for 2nd class posts.

Make cheques and postal orders payable to ‘Birmingham City Council (Highways)’ and write your PCN number and vehicle registration number on the back.

How to Apply for a Birmingham Clean Air Zone Refund

Applying for a refund for the Birmingham CAZ charge involves specific steps and criteria. Here’s how to navigate the process:

1. Determine Eligibility

Refunds are available if:

Your vehicle details were incorrect on the GOV.UK vehicle checker and you paid to drive in the zone.
Your vehicle meets the emission standards but was mistakenly shown as non-compliant, and you paid the charge.

If you think your vehicle meets the requirements but is still being charged daily, please contact Clean Air Zone Support to have your vehicle record checked and updated.

2. Gather Required Documents

Have proof of payment and any related receipts ready. These documents are needed to process your refund request.

3. Update Vehicle Details with DVLA

If your vehicle was incorrectly listed, update your details with the DVLA to ensure it is recognized as compliant.

After updating, proceed with the refund application.

4. Submit a Refund Request

Visit the contact page and fill out the form for the refund request

5. Wait for Confirmation

After submitting your request, wait for confirmation from the Clean Air Zone support team about your refund status.

Monitor your email and provided contact information for updates.

Common Reasons Refunds Are Denied

Be aware of common reasons for refund denials:

Incorrect Advance Payments: If you change your mind about driving in the zone or paid for the wrong date or vehicle, advance payments are not refunded.
Exemption Application Pending: Payments made while waiting for your exemption application to be processed are not refunded.
Non-compliance with Criteria: Refunds are only for incorrect vehicle information or eligibility errors. If your vehicle was genuinely non-compliant at the time of entry, a refund will not be granted.

Birmingham Clean Air Zones Exemptions and Support Schemes

Several exemptions and support schemes are available to help residents and businesses adjust, especially during the early years of the CAZ.

Exemptions Available

Residents’ Exemption: If you live within the CAZ and your vehicle is registered at your address, you won’t have to pay the charge for two years. This gives residents more time to switch to compliant vehicles.
Healthcare Access Exemption: For one year, if you’re visiting major hospitals, GPs, or care homes within the CAZ, you can apply for an exemption. This helps ensure that accessing essential health services isn’t too costly.
Workers’ Exemption: If you work within the CAZ and drive there, you can get a one-year exemption. This helps workers adjust without the immediate cost of CAZ charges.
Commercial Vehicle Exemption: Businesses with commercial vehicles in the CAZ can get a one-year exemption for up to two vehicles. This assists businesses in adapting to the CAZ requirements.

Supported Schemes

The Birmingham CAZ also supports projects to improve the environment and promote sustainable living:

Cycle Racks: The CAZ scheme helps install cycle racks across the city, encouraging people to cycle instead of driving.
School Traffic Plans: These plans restrict car access around schools during start and end times, promoting safer, less polluted areas for children.
Air Quality Monitors: Funded by the CAZ, these monitors help track pollution levels accurately and assess the effectiveness of environmental policies.
Parking Restrictions: Stricter parking rules in busy areas aim to reduce car use, easing congestion and pollution.
Sustainable Transport Measures: Includes improving public transport, subsidizing fares for those with low incomes, and enhancing walkways to make walking a better option.

How to Apply for a Local Exemption or Discount in Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone

To apply for a local exemption or discount in Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ), follow these simplified steps:

1. Visit the Website

Start by visiting the Birmingham City Council’s Clean Air Zone page Here, you can find details about exemptions and financial help.

2. Check Eligibility

Make sure you qualify for an exemption or discount. The main groups eligible are:

Residents: Must live within the CAZ and own a vehicle that doesn’t meet emission standards.
Low-Income Workers: Must earn under £30,000 a year and work within the CAZ.
Businesses: You can apply for up to two vehicles if they are registered within the CAZ.

3. Prepare Documents

Collect documents like proof of residence, employment, vehicle registration, and income details.

4. Submit Application

Fill out the form on the website. Double-check your details and attach all required documents. Submit everything online.

Types of Exemptions and Their Duration

Residents’ Exemption: Available for two years after the CAZ starts.
Low Income Workers’ Exemption: Valid for one year from the CAZ start.
Commercial Vehicle Exemption: This applies to up to two vehicles per business for one year from the CAZ start.
Community and School Transport Exemption: This exemption is ongoing for eligible vans and minibusses, not including taxis or private hire vehicles.

Exemption Type	Eligibility	Exemption Period
Residents’ Exemption	Residents within the CAZ with non-compliant vehicles.	Two years from the CAZ launch.
Low Income Workers’ Exemption	Workers earning less than £30,000 annually, working within the CAZ.	One year from the CAZ launch.
Commercial Vehicle Exemption	Commercial vehicles registered within the CAZ.	One year from the CAZ launch, for up to two vehicles per business.
Community and School Transport Exemption	Low-Income Workers’ Exemption	Ongoing, subject to eligibility criteria.

Discounts and Additional Information

Early Payment Discount: If you pay within the specified discount period mentioned on your Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), you’ll receive a 50% discount. This can significantly lower the cost if you pay quickly.

Lost PCN: If you lose your PCN, call Birmingham City Council at 0121 675 2000 (Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to get help finding your PCN details.

Summary

Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone is straightforward once you know the rules, exemptions, and how to pay.

The charge for non-compliant vehicles is £8 for cars, taxis, and light goods vehicles and £50 for coaches, buses, and heavy goods vehicles.

Make sure your vehicle meets the emission standards to avoid charges.

Residents, low-income workers, and businesses within the CAZ can get temporary exemptions and support to switch to compliant vehicles.

The zone is clearly marked, so you know when you’re entering or leaving. You can pay the CAZ charges online, by phone, in cash at PayPoint outlets, or by cheque.

If you get a Penalty Charge Notice, you can pay it using the same methods. Make sure you have the right details to avoid extra fines.

You can get a refund in certain cases, like if the vehicle details are wrong. Just follow the correct steps and provide the needed documents.