Clean Air Zone Portsmouth: Charges and How to Avoid

Planning to Drive in Portsmouth? Here’s What You Need to Know

Whether you're heading to the port, visiting for a day trip, or you drive commercially through Portsmouth, the city’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) has specific rules — and some surprise costs if your vehicle doesn’t comply.

The good news? If you’re driving a standard private car, van or motorcycle you're generally exempt. The trickier part: older taxis, private hire vehicles, coaches, HGVs or buses may face daily charges — and if those aren’t paid, a fine could follow.

This guide walks you through:

• What the Portsmouth CAZ is

• Which vehicles are charged and how much

• How to check your vehicle

• Exemptions and how to apply

• What to do if you receive a fine — and how Resolvo helps you contest it

🚦 What Is the Clean Air Zone in Portsmouth?

The Portsmouth Clean Air Zone is a designated area where certain vehicles that do not meet emission standards must pay a daily fee for travel. It launched on 29 November 2021.

It is classified as a Class B zone, which means that many larger commercial/older vehicles are charged, while typical private vehicles are exempt. The zone operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and covers key roads in Portsmouth and near the port area.

📍 Where Does the Portsmouth CAZ Apply?

Portsmouth CAZ map

The exact map shows the area around central Portsmouth and the port access roads. The CAZ is monitored by ANPR cameras at multiple entry points — in fact, there are around 55 camera sites. If you drive a vehicle that falls into the chargeable categories and you enter the zone, you may be liable — even if you just pass through briefly.

🚗 Who Has to Pay the CAZ Charge in Portsmouth?

✅ Vehicle Types That Are Exempt (No Charge):

• Private cars (any age)

• Motorcycles and mopeds

• Vans (light goods vehicles) — yes, vans are listed as exempt in Portsmouth.

💸 Vehicle Types That May Be Charged:

• Taxis and private hire vehicles (non‑compliant older models) — £10 per day.

• HGVs, buses and coaches (non‑compliant) — £50 per day.

Note: Because vans are exempt, the key pay‑liable vehicles are older taxis/private hire and the larger commercial vehicles.

📌 Important: The “day” for charges runs from midnight to midnight — if you’re in before midnight and leave after, you could risk two charges. Caura

💷 How Much and When Do You Pay?

• You can pay the charge up to 6 days before you enter the zone.

• Or, you can pay on the day of travel.

• Or, up to 6 days after you entered the zone.

Daily charges (non‑compliant vehicles):

• Taxis/private hire: £10/day

• HGVs/coaches/buses: £50/day

To pay to drive in the Clean Air Zone you can do so on the Gov.uk website

Failure to pay? If the daily charge isn’t paid within the allowed window, you risk a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of up to £120, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

🛑 Exemptions & Discounts — What You Should Know and Apply For

✅ Automatic Exemptions:

• Private cars, motorcycles, vans as listed

• Compliant vehicles meeting the required emission standard (e.g., newer models)

• Certain tax‑class vehicles (disabled, historic) may also qualify depending on rules

📝 Local Exemptions / Discounts (Portsmouth Specific):

While Portsmouth’s scheme has fewer categories than some cities, you should still check if your vehicle qualifies for a local exemption, particularly if you operate a special vehicle type (e.g., wheelchair accessible, community transport).

If you think you qualify:

• Visit the official Portsmouth CAZ website → Exemptions/Discounts page. Portsmouth City Council

• Upload relevant proof (V5 registration, vehicle classification, trip purpose)

• Apply before travel to avoid entering the zone unregistered

Tip: Even if you receive a PCN for entering the zone, if you later establish you met an exemption you can still challenge it.

✉️ Received a CAZ or Parking Fine in Portsmouth? Here’s How to Fight Back

If you’ve been charged in Portsmouth and believe it was unfair — perhaps because your vehicle was compliant, you paid but weren’t recorded, or signage was confusing — you may appeal.

With Resolvo you can:

• Tell us your story in plain English

• Upload the PCN or fine notice (optional)

• We generate a free, structured appeal letter tailored to your case — ready to send

• Avoid confusion, increase your chance of success, and save time

👉 Start your Portsmouth CAZ or parking appeal with Resolvo now.

🔧 How to Avoid Charges in the Future — Portsmouth Edition

• Check your vehicle’s compliance before traveling into Portsmouth — especially if it’s a taxi, private hire, bus, or HGV.

• If your vehicle is older and likely liable, either pay the CAZ charge in advance or choose a route that avoids the zone.

• If you operate taxis/private hire, or buses/coaches, ensure you’re either compliant or registered for any discounts/exemptions.

• Keep proof of payment if you pay after entering the zone — it helps if the system disputes you.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Portsmouth’s Clean Air Zone is designed to improve air quality without penalising the vast majority of typical motorists (private cars and vans are exempt). The rules focus on older, high‑emission vehicles often used commercially.

If you believe you’ve been unfairly charged — whether a CAZ fee or a related parking fine — you don’t have to just pay up. Use Resolvo to check, challenge and reclaim your rights. One wrong mark‑up shouldn’t cost you £120.

💡 Appeal your parking fine or CAZ charge today with Resolvo