Bristol Clean Air Zone Checker

The primary goal of the Bristol Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is to improve the city's air quality by reducing harmful levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution from vehicle emissions.

By applying a daily charge to the most polluting vehicles, the scheme encourages drivers to upgrade to cleaner models or use alternative transport, creating a healthier environment for everyone.

The Clean Air Zone covers a central area of Bristol, including the city centre, Bristol Temple Meads station, parts of the M32, and the Portway. The boundaries are clearly marked with road signs.

The zone operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The charge is applied for each day a non-compliant vehicle is driven within the zone.

For cars, taxis, and light goods vehicles (vans), the daily charge is £9.

For heavier vehicles like HGVs, coaches, and buses that do not meet the emissions standards, the daily charge is £100.

To be compliant and avoid the charge, petrol cars must meet the Euro 4 emissions standard.

This generally includes most petrol cars first registered from January 2006 onwards. Some earlier models may also meet the standard, so it is always best to check your specific vehicle.

Diesel cars must meet the stricter Euro 6 emissions standard to be compliant.

This typically applies to diesel cars first registered from September 2015. A limited number of earlier models might also be compliant.

No, motorcycles and mopeds are not subject to the Bristol Clean Air Zone charge. This is a key difference from other schemes, such as the London ULEZ, which does charge non-compliant motorcycles.

If your non-compliant vehicle is driven within the zone, you must pay the £9 daily charge. Failure to pay on time will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £120.

This penalty is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. To avoid these ongoing costs, many drivers choose to sell their non-compliant car: Sell my car.

You must pay the charge using the official GOV.UK payment system. You can pay up to 6 days in advance, on the day of travel, or up to 6 days after.

It is very important to only use the official government website and avoid unofficial third-party sites which may charge extra fees.

Yes, vehicles that have the "historic vehicle" tax class with the DVLA are exempt from the Bristol CAZ charge.

Vehicles over 40 years old qualify for this tax class, which provides an automatic exemption.

While most Clean Air Zones share the same Euro 4 (petrol) and Euro 6 (diesel) standards, there are key differences.

The Bristol CAZ charge for cars is £9 per day, whereas the Birmingham CAZ is £8 per day, and the London ULEZ is £12.50. Unlike in London, motorcycles are exempt from the charge in Bristol.