🏙️ Bath Clean Air Zone (CAZ) – What You Need to Know

Bath is one of the most iconic cities in the UK — but if you’re visiting by car, you’ve probably heard something about a “Clean Air Zone” or CAZ. Do you have to pay? Are fines automatic? What if you’re a Blue Badge holder or Bath resident?

Here’s the good news: most private drivers don’t pay a penny in Bath. The city’s CAZ doesn’t apply to cars or motorcycles. But if you’re in a van, minibus, taxi, or motorhome — you could face daily charges or even a penalty notice if you don’t plan ahead.

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🚦 What Is a Clean Air Zone (CAZ)?

A Clean Air Zone is an area where more polluting vehicles must pay to enter, helping reduce air pollution — especially nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).

Bath’s CAZ launched in March 2021 and was the first outside London. It’s what’s called a Class C CAZ, which means it targets:

• Vans and LGVs (including pick-ups, campervans, some motorhomes)

• Taxis and private hire vehicles

• Minibuses

• Buses, coaches, and HGVs

Private cars and motorcycles? Completely exempt.

The zone runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — there are no breaks or weekend pauses.

📍 Bath CAZ Zone Map: Where Does It Apply?

The CAZ covers central Bath and nearby roads, including:

Bath Clean Air Zone

• Walcot

• Bathwick

• Widcombe

• Kingsmead

• Royal Victoria Park

• Sections of the A36 and A367

🗺 Check if your route or hotel is inside the CAZ using the official Bath CAZ map

🚗 Who Has to Pay the Bath CAZ Charge?

✅ No Charge (You’re Free to Enter):

• Private cars, petrol or diesel (any age)

• Motorcycles and mopeds

• Electric and hybrid vehicles

• Historic vehicles (over 40 years old)

• Vehicles with disabled tax class

💸 You’ll Be Charged If Your Vehicle Isn’t Compliant:

• Vans and LGVs

• Minibuses

• Taxis and private hire vehicles

• Buses, coaches, and HGVs

• Some campervans and motorhomes

• Horseboxes

🚦 Emission Standards for Exemption:

• Diesel: Must meet Euro 6 (usually registered after Sept 2015)

• Petrol: Must meet Euro 4 (usually registered after Jan 2006)

💡 Use the GOV.UK CAZ vehicle checker to instantly see if your vehicle is compliant.

💷 How Much Is the CAZ Charge in Bath?

⏰ Rules to Watch:

• Charges run midnight to midnight — drive at 11PM and again at 1AM? That’s two charges.

• Some larger vehicles (motorhomes, horseboxes) may apply for a reduced rate (£100 → £9) if registered privately.

🕒 How to Pay the Charge

You can pay:

• 6 days before your trip

• On the day

• Or up to 6 days after

📍 Go to the official GOV.UK CAZ payment portal.

❌ Forget to pay? You could get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for £120 — reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days — plus the original CAZ charge.

🛑 Exemptions & Local Discounts

🏠 Bath Residents

Previously, some Bath residents with non-compliant vehicles were offered temporary exemptions. These ended in March 2023. Now:

• You may still be eligible for discounted charges or financial support schemes — but you must apply in advance via Bath and North East Somerset Council.

• Don’t assume you’re exempt just because you live nearby. No registration = no exemption.

♿ Blue Badge Holders

• If your vehicle is taxed in the “disabled” class, it’s automatically exempt.

• But having a Blue Badge alone is NOT enough — unless the vehicle itself is registered correctly.

• Temporary Blue Badge exemptions ended in March 2023. If your vehicle doesn’t meet emissions standards and isn’t in the disabled tax class, you may still have to pay.

📌 Always check the current rules on the Bath Council website before assuming you’re covered.

📬 Got a Parking Fine in Bath? Don’t Panic.

Thousands of fines are issued each year — but not all of them are valid. Common appeal reasons include:

• Wrong vehicle recorded

• Payment system errors

• Poor or missing road signs

Whether you got a parking fine from Bath council or from a parking company, Resolvo helps you to challenge it and will generate a clear, structured appeal letter in under 2 minutes.