Clean Air Zone Bristol: Charges and How to Avoid

The Bristol Clean Air Zone is a Class D CAZ introduced to cut air pollution by charging high-emission vehicles that enter parts of central Bristol. It started on 28 November 2022 and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

It was launched to reduce harmful pollutants like Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂), protect public health, and encourage cleaner, greener transport.

📚 What Does a Class D CAZ Mean?

There are 4 types of Clean Air Zones (A–D) in the UK, but Class D is the most comprehensive. It can apply charges to ALL vehicle types, depending on their emission status:

• 🚫 Charged if non-compliant:

  • Private cars

  • Vans, minibuses, LGVs

  • Taxis and private hire vehicles

  • Buses and coaches

  • HGVs and lorries

  • Motorhomes and campervans

• ✅ Exempt if compliant:

  • Petrol vehicles Euro 4+ (usually post-2006)

  • Diesel vehicles Euro 6+ (usually post-2015)

  • Electric or hydrogen vehicles

  • Motorcycles and mopeds (exempt in Bristol)

  • Vehicles in the disabled tax class

📍 Where Does the Bristol CAZ Apply?

Bristol Clean Air Zone Map

The zone covers central Bristol, including:

• Temple Meads

• Cabot Circus

• Broadmead

• Park Street

• The Centre

• The Cumberland Basin

• Part of the Portway and city centre bridges

🗺️ You can view the full official map on the Bristol CAZ website.

💸 Charges – Who Pays and How Much?

Important notes:

• The charging day runs midnight to midnight

• Entering before and leaving after midnight = two charges

• No charge for compliant vehicles, electric vehicles, motorcycles

🔎 How to Check If You’ll Be Charged

1. Go to the official Clean Air Zone vehicle checker on GOV.UK

2. Enter your number plate

3. It will tell you if your vehicle is compliant or needs to pay

➡️ Check your vehicle now on GOV.UK

💳 How to Pay the CAZ Charge

You can pay:

• Up to 6 days before your trip

• On the day you enter

• Or up to 6 days after

✅ Pay online at GOV.UK CAZ payment portal 🚫 Do not ignore payment — or you could receive a £120 fine (PCN), reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

🛑 Exemptions & Discounts

Automatic National Exemptions (No Application Needed)

• Vehicles in the disabled tax class

• ULEVs – Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (electric/hydrogen)

• Vehicles registered as historic (40+ years old)

• Military vehicles

• Vehicles retrofitted under the CVRAS scheme

Bristol Local Exemptions (Application Required)

• Emergency services (police, ambulance, fire)

• Specialist vehicles (agriculture, recovery)

• Hospital patients/visitors (certain Bristol hospitals)

• Low-income residents (short-term support)

• Registered community transport operators

You must apply online with supporting documents (e.g. logbook, proof of income/disability). Your exemption is not valid until approved.

🚫 What If You Get a Fine?

If you were charged but believe it was unfair (e.g. compliant vehicle, unclear signs, payment error), you can appeal your CAZ fine.

Resolvo helps you appeal in minutes:

• 📝 Generates a structured appeal letter

• 🛠️ Explains your rights and next steps

• 💬 Works for CAZ, parking fines, and more

• 💰 100% Free

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🧠 How to Avoid Future Charges in Bristol

• Always check your vehicle before travelling

• If you drive a non-compliant vehicle, arrange payment or avoid the zone

• Apply early for any exemption

• Set up alerts or reminders if you enter CAZ areas regularly

• If you’re a business, consider upgrading your fleet — grants may be available

📊 Summary – Quick Reference Table

✅ Final Thoughts

Bristol’s CAZ aims to reduce air pollution, improve health, and encourage cleaner vehicles — not punish everyday drivers.

Most vehicles are compliant and won’t need to pay — but if yours isn’t, be sure to check, pay promptly, or apply for exemptions.

🛑 Got a fine? Appeal with Resolvo in under 2 minutes — it’s fast and free.