Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone (CAZ) checker

In January 2023, the Tyneside area introduced its Clean Air Zone (CAZ) across Newcastle and Gateshead. Use our tool to see if you have to pay the daily charge.

Our customers say Excellent

4.7 out of 5 based on 186 reviews

Home/Clean Air Zone (CAZ)/Newcastle Clean Air Zone

Newcastle and Gateshead CAZ map and charges

The image below shows the limits of the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone.

Area of operation

The Clean Air Zone covers a substantial area in the Newcastle city centre. It also includes routes that extend over the Tyne, Swing, High Level and Redheugh bridges. At present, the zone doesn't extend more than a few hundred metres past the bridges into Gateshead.

CAZ charges and exemptions

Charges for Newcastle and Gateshead's Clean Air Zone depend on vehicle type. Taxis, vans and minibuses pay a rate of £12.50 each day they enter the zone. Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), private HGVs (PHGVs), lorries, trucks, buses and coaches pay a higher rate of £50 per day. Private cars and motorcycles don't pay the CAZ charge in Newcastle and Gateshead.

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 using the Newcastle City Council website. Alternatively, you can send payments by post or over the phone.

What is the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone (CAZ)?

How Newcastle and Gateshead's CAZ works

On 30 January 2023, the Newcastle and Gateshead Councils joined forces to launch the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone. Its aim is to improve air quality in the most congested section of the Tyneside area by discouraging heavily polluting vehicles from entering certain parts of the city centre. If you enter the zone driving a non-compliant vehicle, CAZ cameras using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) will automatically capture your vehicle's details, run them against the DVLA's registration database and issue a charge for noncompliance.

The zone operates 24 hours a day, all year round. Each vehicle pays once per day, no matter how many times they enter the zone. Days run from midnight to midnight, so driving in the zone late at night and staying after 11:59 p.m. on the day you entered will result in two daily charges, even if the time you spend in the zone is seemingly little. You have a 12-day period to pay the charge — 6 days prior to and 6 days after the day you enter the zone. After 11:59 p.m. on the 6th day, you'll be issued a PCN of £120, due within 28 days.

Vehicles included in Newcastle and Gateshead's CAZ

The cities of Newcastle and Gateshead enacted a Class C Clean Air Zone, meaning commercial vehicles of all sizes are included in the regulations. Buses, minibuses, taxis, private hire vehicles, coaches, vans, LGVs, HGVs, and PHGVs fit this. Private cars, motorcycles and motorbikes are excluded, meaning most of the area's residents have nothing to worry about. National exemptions (e.g., emergency services vehicles, military vehicles, disabled tax class vehicles and "hard-to-replace" vehicles like agricultural and construction equipment) apply to every CAZ zone in the UK.

There are also some local exemptions based on your circumstances, all of which last until 30 January 2025. Vehicles registered to businesses within the CAZ area are exempt from charges (up to two vehicles per business). Financed taxis, private hire vehicles and commercial vehicles registered to businesses within CAZ boundaries are also exempt. Vehicles awaiting a retrofit or replacement are also temporarily exempt. Community transport vehicles and wheelchair-accessible taxis/private hire vehicles don't have to pay, either. Drivers must apply for exemption online.

Benefits of using our Newcastle and Gateshead CAZ compliance checker

Knowing if Newcastle and Gateshead's CAZ charges apply to you helps you plan ahead and avoid expensive fines.

Check Newcastle and Gateshead CAZ compliance in real time

Our CAZ compliance checker tool makes navigating the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone a breeze. You can quickly determine whether your vehicle is compliant by entering your registration details. This user-friendly tool not only helps you anticipate potential charges but also assists in making informed decisions about your travel plans, ultimately contributing to cleaner, healthier air in the Tyneside area.

Stay on top of changes and updates

The CAZ area is relatively small at the moment, but that's always subject to change. London, for example, recently expanded its ULEZ. And city/national government bodies are only showing signs of ramping up their efforts to meet air quality goals. As Tyneside-area officials become more aggressive with their approach to reducing pollution, you'll want to stay informed. Regularly checking CAZ compliance keeps you up-to-date with any changes that may impact your daily travels.

Prepare your route ahead of time

Newcastle's city centre may be unavoidable. But, if you can plan your journey around the zone or avoid entering it altogether, you'll save yourself or your business some money. At £50 for larger commercial vehicles, this is especially important for business owners sending deliveries to customers/suppliers in the area. Charges can be several hundred or thousand pounds per day across your whole fleet.

Plan for business or personal expenses

As an individual private hire driver, spending £12.50 per day to enter the zone might not be worth your while. For business owners with multiple lorries, £50 per day per vehicle simply isn't sustainable. Including the cost in your budget helps you prepare for immediate non-compliance expenses and plan for future investments in sustainable vehicles. Fortunately, the local government has offered temporary exemptions. But preparation still starts with knowing your compliance status.

User-friendly interface

Our CAZ compliance checker is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to users on any desktop or mobile device. With a simple input of your vehicle's registration details, you'll receive immediate results on its compliance status. The tool is regularly updated to ensure accuracy and reliability, giving you peace of mind when planning your travels in the Tyneside area.

Learn about potential fines

If you enter the Clean Air Zone unaware of your non-compliance, you won't know when you've been charged until you receive a PCN. This is an unpleasant surprise you could have easily avoided. And if you've been driving in the zone every day, you're looking at multiple. If you don't know how Newcastle and Gateshead's CAZ zone affects you, you will end up spending hundreds on fines. Using our Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone checker eliminates that risk.

Which cars are exempt from Newcastle and Gateshead's CAZ charges?

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

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

Bristol Clean Air Zone

Bath Clean Air Zone

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone

Bradford Clean Air Zone

Sheffield Clean Air Zone

Check other low emissions zones

Live somewhere else? See which emissions zones and regulations affect your city.

ULEZ checker

Check Ultra-Low Emissions Zone compliance.

Check ULEZ now

LEZ checker

Check Low Emissions Zone compliance.

Check LEZ now

ZEZ checker

Check Zero Emissions Zone compliance.

Check ZEZ now

Get an Instant MOT quote now

Compare garages in your area for the best price and rating now!

4.7 out of 5 based on 186 reviews

MOT & service

4.7 out of 5 based on 186 reviews

Common FAQs about Newcastle and Gateshead's Clean Air Zone

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

Which cars will be charged in the Clean Air Zone in Newcastle and Gateshead?

Newcastle and Gateshead is a Class C Clean Air Zone. Non-compliant cars and taxis will be charged £12.50 per day, while non-compliant buses, coaches and HGVs will be charged £50 per day. Personal cars, motorcycles and motorbikes are not included in the CAZ and, therefore, not subject to any charges.

When do you have to pay in a Clean Air Zone in Newcastle and Gateshead?

Drivers have to pay daily charges every day they enter or drive within the Clean Air Zone. Vehicles parked within the CAZ will not need to pay for days they are stationary. If you drive in the zone at night and continue driving past midnight, you will need to pay for two days of travel. Charges apply 24/7, including weekends and bank holidays.

What happens if you don't pay for the Clean Air Zone in Newcastle and Gateshead?

If you receive a daily charge for driving in Newcastle and Gateshead's Clean Air Zone with a non-compliant vehicle and don't pay it, the charge will increase to £120 after 6 days. If you don't pay that charge within 28 days, the fine increases by 50% (£180). The fine will continue to increase if still not paid, and the government can eventually take you to court.

How do you avoid Clean Air charges in Newcastle and Gateshead?

The most effective way to avoid Clean Air Zone charges in Newcastle and Gateshead is to invest in a vehicle that meets the necessary emission standards. With daily charges of £12.50 for non-compliant cars and taxis and £50 for non-compliant buses, coaches and HGVs, you're easily spending hundreds or thousands per month, especially if you frequently travel within the zone. Plus, CAZ-compliant vehicles have better fuel efficiency, so you'll save even more on gas.

It's worth noting investing in a compliant vehicle aligns with the broader push toward sustainability. As environmental regulations tighten, owning a vehicle that meets the necessary standards will become increasingly crucial. It's not just about avoiding fees; it's about contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.

So, while the upfront cost of a new vehicle may seem high, the long-term benefits of lower daily charges, contributing to environmental sustainability, and potential fuel savings make it a worthwhile investment.

How much is the Clean Air Zone charge in Newcastle and Gateshead?

The charge in Newcastle and Gateshead is £12.50 per day for non-compliant private hire vehicles and taxis, while buses, coaches, and HGVs will be charged £50 per day. These charges apply 24/7, including weekends and bank holidays. Regular private cars, motorcycles and mopeds are not included in the CAZ daily charge.

What happens if I live in a Clean Air Zone in Newcastle and Gateshead?

If you live within the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone, you might qualify for a temporary exemption until 2025. Businesses and residents can claim certain exemptions (typically for up to two vehicles). To know whether you or your business qualifies, you have to apply online.

How long do I have to pay the Clean Air charge in Newcastle and Gateshead?

You have a 12-day period to pay Newcastle and Gateshead's Clean air charge — 6 days prior and 6 days after your day of travel. If you don't pay the charge during that time, it will increase to £120 after 6 days and £180 after 28 days. It's best to pay as soon as possible to avoid additional fees.

How do I know if I have entered the Clean Air Zone in Newcastle and Gateshead?

No massive landmarks tell you whether you've entered the CAZ. But there is ample signage (and clearly visible cameras). If you use a navigation app or a GPS, it will alert you when you enter the zone. Since Waze allows users to report road conditions, it's the best app for up-to-date information about CAZ camera locations and zone boundaries.

What happens if you don't follow the Clean Air Act in Newcastle and Gateshead?

Nobody's coming after you for breaking the Clean Air Act; however, if you don't comply with Newcastle and Gateshead's CAZ regulations and drive a non-compliant vehicle within the zone, you'll receive daily charges. These charges will increase if not paid promptly, as outlined above. In short, it does you no good to refuse to pay them.

Why are Clean Air Zones necessary in Newcastle and Gateshead?

Clean Air Zones are necessary in Newcastle and Gateshead to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions. Air pollution is a significant cause of health problems in the UK, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. By implementing a CAZ, the government aims to reduce emissions from non-compliant vehicles and encourage cleaner modes of transportation. The benefits include cleaner air, improved public health, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. It's a necessary step towards creating a more sustainable future for the Tyneside area.

How can I contact Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone support?

For most enquiries, you can reach out to the government's dedicated Clean Air Zone support team by calling 0300 029 8888. You can also find more information and updates on the Newcastle City Council's Breathe Clean Air website or via email at caz.helpdesk@newcastle.gov.uk.