Birmingham Clean Air Zone (CAZ) checker

On 1 June, 2021, the Birmingham City Council implemented a Clean Air Zone (CAZ). This initiative tackles air pollution by charging highly polluting vehicles in designated city areas.

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Birmingham CAZ map and charges

The image below shows the limits of the Birmingham Clean Air Zone.

Area of operation

The Birmingham Clean Air Zone encompasses all the roads within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road (excluding the Middleway itself). It impacts drivers commuting to many of Birmingham's corporate offices, restaurants, universities and shopping centres. In this area, CAZ is in effect 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

CAZ charges and exemptions

Non-compliant private vehicles face an £8 daily charge when entering or driving within the Clean Air Zone. You must make this payment up to six days in advance or within six days after your journey. No prior notification will be given for this charge. The driver is responsible for making the payment. Failure to do so will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £120, or £60 if paid within 14 days. Different charges apply to other types of vehicles.

How to pay

The easiest way to pay is online via the gov.uk Clean Air Zones page. If you also need to pay a penalty charge notice (PCN), you can easily do so online via Birmingham City Council's website or over the phone via the city's PCN line (0121 667 4964).

What is the Birmingham Clean Air Zone (CAZ)?

How Birmingham's CAZ works

In June 2021, Birmingham City Council introduced the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) to improve air quality in the city. The zone covers a designated area within the city centre and charges vehicles that do not meet emission standards. Within the boundary and around its perimeter are 300+ cameras that monitor vehicles entering and exiting the area. These cameras use ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology to capture vehicle registration plates and determine compliance. If you don't meet emissions standards, you will be charged.

Just like any other Clean Air Zone, Birmingham's CAZ operates 24/7, every day of the year. The daily charge resets at midnight. If you drive in the area past midnight, you will incur two charges. You can pay up to 6 days in advance of entering. After entry, you have a 6-day grace period to settle the charge. Failure to pay by 11:59 p.m. on the sixth day will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Paying the PCN within 14 days reduces the amount by half. Paying it after 28 days increases it by 50%.

Vehicles included in Birmingham's CAZ

Birmingham's CAZ is a Class D Clean Air Zone, meaning it includes all types of vehicles (except those nationally CAZ-exempt). In addition to buses, minibuses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, light goods vehicles (LGVs), heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and private heavy goods vehicles (PHGVs), Birmingham's CAZ includes passenger vehicles (but excludes motorcycles/mopeds). This means it directly impacts business owners and everyday motorists. If you live within or plan to visit Birmingham's Clean Air Zone, you will need to know your compliance status beforehand.

For cars, vans, LGVs and taxis, the Birmingham CAZ charge is £8. For buses, coaches and HGVs, it is £50. Whether you're a resident, commuter or business owner operating a fleet within the zone, charges can quickly add up. Although 89.9% of the vehicles on Birmingham's roads are already compliant, it is still important to check your vehicle's compliance status. You can do so using our free Birmingham CAZ checker tool at the top of this page.

Benefits of using our Birmingham CAZ compliance checker

Knowing if Birmingham's CAZ charges apply to you helps you plan ahead and avoid costly fines.

Check Birmingham CAZ compliance in real time

Our CAZ compliance checker provides real-time results, saving you valuable time and potential penalties. Simply enter your vehicle's registration number, and our tool will handle the rest. It determines whether you are required to pay the CAZ charge in seconds. This immediate insight gives you the power to make informed decisions about your journey, whether you're a resident, commuter or business owner. And since it's free, you can check whenever.

Stay on top of changes and updates

Local and national governments within the UK have only shown signs of ramping up their efforts to improve air quality in cities. And inefficient vehicles have always been a major focal point. As restrictions and regulations continue to change, it's your responsibility to stay up-to-date on what's required of you as a driver. Our Birmingham CAZ compliance checker ensures you're always informed and prepared for any changes that may occur.

Prepare your route ahead of time

Whether you're a frequent visitor or occasional traveller to Birmingham's city centre, planning your route in advance can save you both time and money. Our Birmingham CAZ checker tool lets you identify whether your vehicle will incur daily charges in the CAZ. By doing so, you can decide whether to adjust your itinerary or prepare for the additional costs, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey within Birmingham.

Plan ahead for business/personal expenses

If you're a business operating within the CAZ, or an individual regularly commuting through it, planning for these additional costs is crucial. By identifying whether your vehicles are subject to the daily charges, you can budget accordingly and start planning your investment in a more efficient vehicle/fleet. Especially if you're a business owner operating multiple taxis, vans or lorries, knowing their compliance status beforehand prepares you for hundreds of pounds per day in short-term expenses.

User-friendly interface

Our Birmingham CAZ checker tool is easy to use, intuitive, and accessible on all mobile/desktop devices. Designed with convenience in mind, it allows you to check your vehicle's compliance status with a few simple clicks. Whether you're on a computer at home or on the go with your mobile device, staying informed and avoiding unnecessary charges is always at your fingertips.

Avoid costly fines

Perhaps the best reason to use our Birmingham CAZ compliance checker is to avoid costly penalties for non-compliance. In addition to the daily charges, failing to pay within 6 days will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), which is much higher. By using our free tool and staying informed, you can prevent unnecessary expenses and keep your hard-earned money where it belongs — your account.

Which cars are exempt from Birmingham's CAZ charges?

Different rules apply to different types of vehicles when it comes to CAZ daily charges in Birmingham.

CAZ-compliant petrol cars

Must meet Euro 4 emissions standards.
Typically, manufactured after 2006.

CAZ-compliant diesel cars

Must meet Euro 6 emissions standards.
Typically, manufactured after September 2015.

CAZ-compliant LGVs and HGVs

LGVs: Petrol (Euro 4), Diesel (Euro 6)
HGVs: Petrol (Euro 4), Diesel (Euro 6)

CAZ-compliant buses, minibuses and coaches

Buses: Petrol (Euro 4), Diesel (Euro 6)
Minibuses: Petrol (Euro 4), Diesel (Euro 6)
Coaches: Petrol (Euro 4), Diesel (Euro 6)

View other Clean Air Zones (CAZ)

Live elsewhere? Check below for information on other Clean Air Zones in the UK.

Bristol Clean Air Zone

Bath Clean Air Zone

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone

Bradford Clean Air Zone

Sheffield Clean Air Zone

Newcastle Clean Air Zone

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Common FAQs about Birmingham's Clean Air Zone

Learn about how our checker works and how to stay compliant with CAZ regulations.

Which cars will be charged in the Clean Air Zone in Birmingham?

All vehicles, including passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles, must comply with the emissions standards in order to avoid daily charges when driving in Birmingham's CAZ. This includes cars, vans, HGVs, buses, coaches and taxis. The only vehicle types that are exempt from Birmingham's CAZ are motorcycles and mopeds.

When do you have to pay in a Clean Air Zone in Birmingham?

Drivers have to pay the Clean Air Zone charge every day that they drive into the CAZ. Each day is from midnight to midnight, so if you enter the CAZ and drive within the area past midnight, you'll be charged twice. You can, however, enter the CAZ as many times as you want in a day without incurring additional charges.

What happens if you don't pay for the Clean Air Zone in Birmingham?

Failure to pay or contest a Clean Air charge within 6 days (by 11:59 p.m. on the sixth day) will result in a £120 penalty, in addition to the original charge. The fine will increase by 50% to £180 if not settled within 28 days. However, if payment is made within 14 days, the amount decreases to just £60. For your convenience, you can access your penalty charge notice (PCN) on the Birmingham City Council website.

How do you avoid clean Clean Air charges in Birmingham?

The only way to completely avoid the daily charges in Birmingham's CAZ is to drive a vehicle that meets the emissions standards. Alternatively, you can choose not to enter the CAZ or find alternative transportation methods such as public transportation, cycling or walking. Our Birmingham CAZ checker tool can also help you plan your route and avoid unnecessary costs by identifying whether your vehicle will incur daily charges.

How much is the Clean Air Zone charge in Birmingham?

Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, you will pay a different CAZ charge in Birmingham. For cars, vans, LGVs and taxis, the daily charge is £8. For buses, coaches and HGVs, it's £50 per day. So, charges add up fairly quickly if you need to drive in Birmingham's city centre every day.

What happens if I live in a Clean Air Zone in Birmingham?

If you live within Birmingham's Clean Air Zone, you will only be charged for the days you drive. You don't need to worry about Clean Air charges while you're parked within the zone, as the CAZ cameras planted throughout the city only register when you are actively driving past them.

However, if you live within the CAZ and own a non-compliant vehicle, it may be worth considering investing in a more efficient vehicle to avoid daily charges. Even if £8 seems like a small amount, £240+ per month is not.

How long do I have to pay the Clean Air charge in Birmingham?

You have the option to pay up to 6 days before entering the zone. However, if you don't pay within 6 days of entering the CAZ (by 11:59 p.m. on the sixth day), you will be issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £120. You will owe this in addition to the daily charge, and you have 28 days to pay it.

How do I know if I have entered the Clean Air Zone in Birmingham?

Next to each of Birmingham's 300+ CAZ cameras, you will see a sign with 'Clean Air Zone' written in large letters. There won't be any physical barriers or toll booths, but Google Maps, Waze and other navigation apps will also now notify you when you plan a route or are about to enter a CAZ.

What happens if you don't follow the Clean Air Act in Birmingham?

Failure to comply with the Clean Air Act won't necessarily result in any immediate consequences. Since it isn't illegal to drive less efficient vehicles, the only significant impact is the daily charge. These charges add up if you need to enter the CAZ regularly.

Which cars will be charged in the Clean Air Zone in Birmingham?

Every type of vehicle will be affected by the Clean Air Zone charges in Birmingham. This includes cars, vans, LGVs, buses, coaches and taxis. The only exemptions are motorcycles and mopeds. There are also federal exemptions for CAZ charges, such as disabled tax class vehicles and military vehicles.

Why are Clean Air Zones necessary in Birmingham?

Clean Air Zones are being introduced in cities across the UK because of increasing levels of air pollution. Traffic emissions in Birmingham cause particularly high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which can lead to serious health problems for residents and visitors. The Clean Air Zone aims to improve air quality by discouraging non-compliant vehicles from entering the city centre, ultimately reducing harmful emissions.

How can I contact Birmingham Clean Air Zone support?

You can pay a charge or talk to a member of the Birmingham Clean Air Zone support team by calling 0300 029 8888. You can also visit the Birmingham City Council website for updates and resources related to the Clean Air Zone.