Bristol Clean Air Zone (CAZ) checker

On November 28, 2022, Bristol implemented a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Use our free tool to see if it affects you.

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Bristol CAZ map and charges

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

Area of operation

Bristol's CAZ boundary stretches from the northern James Barton Roundabout to Coronation Road in Southville to the south. East to west, it spans from Temple Way and Temple Meads Station to Hotwells.

It also extends along Hotwells Road, passing underneath the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and continuing up Bridge Valley Road until intersecting with Ladies Mile and Clifton Down. In Newtown, it encompasses a portion of West Street until it reaches Midland Road.

CAZ charges and exemptions

Private cars, vans, taxis and light goods vehicles (LGVs) will pay a £9 daily charge to enter the zone. Non-compliant buses, lorries and coaches over 3.5 tonnes will pay £100 each day they enter.

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 do so by post, over the phone or using the Bristol City Council website.

What is the Bristol Clean Air Zone (CAZ)?

How Bristol's CAZ works

In November 2022, Bristol became one of the eight cities in the UK to implement a Clean Air Zone (CAZ). The aim is to improve air quality and reduce emissions from the city's oldest and most polluting vehicles in its most congested areas. Throughout the city centre and surrounding the boundary's perimeter, a system of hundreds of cameras use ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) to track vehicles' number plates to identify and charge non-compliant vehicles as they enter the zone.

Bristol's CAZ charge applies 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. A 'day' lasts from midnight to midnight. Drivers are charged once daily, but entering a zone and driving past midnight will result in two charges. Drivers can pay up to 6 days in advance of their visit to Bristol, or up to 6 days after. Failure to pay by 11:59 p.m. on the sixth day will result in a PCN of £120 (on top of the original £9 of £100 charge). Drivers have 28 days to pay this, but paying in 14 or less reduces it by 50%.

Vehicles included in Bristol's CAZ

Bristol operates a Class D Clean Air Zone, meaning all types of vehicles are included in the charge (except motorcycles and mopeds). This includes passenger cars, private hire vehicles, and all sizes of buses, coaches, LGVs and HGVs. These vehicles must meet Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) emissions standards for diesel and petrol to be exempt from the fine. Since it's a Class D CAZ, residents, visitors and business owners are all affected when driving vehicles in the zone.

Visitors to clinics and hospitals in the zone can apply for a seven-day pass. Blue badge holders are also able to request an exemption (for vehicle changes or upgrades). Community transport vehicles may also avoid the charge, and drivers of disabled tax-exempt vehicles are automatically exempt from paying in all Clean Air Zones across the UK. Since Clean Air charges can run as high as £100, non-compliance costs can add up quite fast. That's why it's so important to check your CAZ compliance before you travel

Benefits of using our Bristol CAZ compliance checker

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

Check Bristol CAZ compliance in real time

Our free Bristol CAZ compliance checker lets you confirm your vehicle's compliance status in just a few seconds. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and our tool does the rest, saving you from unwanted surprises. Since it's free to use, you can check your CAZ compliance status any time you're unsure if you'll have to pay. And, you can do so for as many vehicles as you like.

Stay on top of changes and updates

National and local governments have only increased their efforts to improve air quality and reduce emissions. London's recent ULEZ expansion is the perfect example of this. Bristol's Clean Air Zone, compliance standards, exemptions and boundary are all subject to change, so checking compliance in real time is crucial. Our free tool allows you to do just that, without needing any technical knowledge or account setup.

Prepare your route ahead of time

You might want to travel through or within Bristol for a holiday, to visit a friend or family member, work, attend an event or simply pass through. If your vehicle doesn't comply, you may want to avoid the zone with your vehicle altogether. Knowing your compliance status ahead of your travels gives you the power to decide which route to take and whether you're willing to pay the fine.

Plan for business/personal expenses

If you're a business owner operating vehicles in Bristol's city centre, you'll need to budget for £100 CAZ charges per vehicle per day in the short term. Long-term, that isn't sustainable. So you'll also have to plan to invest in cleaner vehicles to run your business profitably. As a visitor or resident, you'll need to explore other transportation options or budget for a daily fee if your vehicle doesn't comply. Our tool helps you plan and budget effectively, saving you time and money in the long run.

User-friendly interface

Our tool is easy to use, ensuring a hassle-free check of your vehicle's compliance. The interface is simple and straightforward, presenting the important information in a readable format in a matter of seconds. It's accessible on all devices, so you can figure out your compliance status whether you're sitting at home or on the go.

Save money on costly fines

By checking your compliance with Bristol's CAZ beforehand, you can ensure you're ready to pay the daily charge or avoid it altogether. You won't be notified upon entering the zone, nor will you be when you're charged. So, checking also helps you avoid PCNs and extra fines. Our tool provides real-time vehicle compliance information, helping you avoid surprises and unexpected costs.

Which cars are exempt from Bristol's CAZ charges?

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

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: Euro 6 minimum

CAZ-compliant buses, minibuses and coaches

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

View other Clean Air Zones (CAZ)

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

Birmingham 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 Bristol's Clean Air Zone

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

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

All types of passenger and commercial vehicles (except motorcycles and mopeds) must pay the daily charge each time they enter Bristol's Clean Air Zone if they don't comply. For petrol vehicles, this means meeting Euro 4 emissions standards. For diesel vehicles, it means meeting Euro 6 standards.

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

Drivers have to pay Bristol's Clean Air charge any time they enter or drive within the area's boundary. This means residents won't need to pay simply for having their car parked there. However, you will need to budget for daily charges if you're a regular commuter or visit the city centre often.

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

If you fail to pay Bristol's Clean Air Zone daily charge by 11:59 p.m. on the sixth day following your entry into the zone, you'll receive a £120 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). This is in addition to the daily charge for that day. If you don't pay the PCN within 28 days, it increases 50% to £180. If you pay it within 14 days, it halves.

How do you avoid Clean Air charges in Bristol?

The best way to avoid Clean Air charges in Bristol is to drive or switch to a compliant vehicle. Bristol Council has offered tens of millions of pounds in funding to help individual drivers and business owners modify their vehicles or invest in newer ones.

Alternatively, you can choose a different route that avoids the Clean Air Zone or use alternative modes of transportation, such as public transport, biking or walking. Our free tool helps you plan and make informed decisions about your travels in Bristol (and potentially avoid Clean Air charges).

How much is the Clean Air Zone charge in Bristol?

The Clean Air Zone charge in Bristol is £9 per day for non-compliant passenger vehicles, vans, LGVs and taxis. For buses, lorries and coaches over 3.5 tonnes, it's £100 per day. The charge applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week (except Christmas Day). There is no limit to the number of times you can enter and exit the zone in one day, meaning you'll be charged each time you cross its boundary.

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

If you live within Bristol's Clean Air Zone, you don't have to worry about being charged simply for owning a non-compliant vehicle. You'll only be charged for the days you drive it within the zone's boundary. However, if you regularly drive, it's worth considering switching to a compliant one or using alternative modes of transportation.

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

You have until 11:59 p.m. on the sixth day after entering Bristol's Clean Air Zone to pay the daily charge before receiving a penalty notice. If you fail to pay the PCN within 28 days, the fee increases by 50%. To avoid any additional costs and fines, make sure to check your vehicle's compliance with our tool before entering the zone.

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

There aren't any toll booths or barriers in Bristol's Clean Air Zone, so you won't be notified when entering or leaving the zone. Near each of Bristol's hundreds of CAZ cameras, you will also find signs with "Clean Air Zone" written on them in bold letters. Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze will also warn you when you plan a route that enters the zone.

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

You aren't necessarily breaking the law if you choose not to drive a compliant vehicle. But, you will have to pay the daily charges and, if you forget or fail to pay, any PCNs. The Clean Air Act promotes using low-emission vehicles to reduce air pollution. And driving a non-compliant vehicle in Bristol's CAZ can harm your health and the environment. So, it's in everyone's best interest to comply with the regulations and drive cleaner vehicles.

Why are Clean Air Zones necessary in Bristol?

Clean Air Zones are necessary in Bristol (and other UK cities) because poor air quality is a major health concern. In the UK, it's linked to between 28,000 and 36,000 early deaths annually. By implementing Clean Air Zones and encouraging people to switch to cleaner vehicles, the government aims to reduce air pollution and improve public health.

How can I contact Bristol Clean Air Zone support?

You can contact Bristol's Clean Air Zone support team via phone at 0117 903 6385. You can also fill out their contact form to communicate via email. You can also use Bristol City Council's website to apply for exemptions or financial support.