Why Did The Bath Clean Air Zone Come Into Play?

The Bath clean air zone came into effect as a result of alarming air pollution levels raised by Bath and North East Somerset Council. Following plans for petrol and diesel vehicles being banned by 2035, low emissions targets are being set by the government to help remove euro 4 and euro 5 polluting cars.

Where Does Bath The Clean Air Zone Map Begin?

The location of the Bath Clean Air Zone runs from Kingsmead, Bathwick and Walcot including postcode areas such as: BA1 1LF - The A4 London Road BA2 4AX - A4 Upper Bristol Road BA1 2HX - A36 Lower Bristol Road BA2 6QR - A367 Wells Road BA1 2AR - A3062 Prior Road. You can view full details on the Bath clean air zone map through this postcode checker.

What Are The Bath Clean Air Zone Charges?

Certain polluting vehicles will be charged daily to enter and drive in the Bath clean air zone. These are as follows: Higher emission taxis, private hire vehicles, minibuses, LGV & vans (Including campervans and pick up trucks) - A charge of £9 a day Higher emission buses, coaches and HGV - Larger emitting vehicles have to pay a daily fee of £100 in the Bath clean air zone. Larger, higher emission horse transporters & motorhomes - These will only pay a reduced fee of £9 if registered with Bath & Somerset council, otherwise risk having to pay £100 to enter and drive in the Bath Clean Air Zone!

Should I Remove My Polluting Car In Bath With The New Clean Air Zone?

If you want to save yourself spending thousands of pounds a month on running costs for your polluting petrol or diesel car then scrapping your car in Bath can be a better option. Thankfully, Scrap Local’s network of vehicle recyclers can remove your car with a hassle-free scrap car removal service across Upper Weston, Bathwick and Bathford. Get a free scrap car quote today with no hidden fees.

What Cars Are Exempt From The Bath Clean Air Zone?

Private cars such as historic cars do not have to pay the Bath clean air zone charge. Motorcycles are also free from charges and certain exemptions will be made for military vehicles and blue badge holders. View the full list of Bath clean air zone vehicle exemptions here.

What Are The Bath Clean Air Zone Penalties?

Penalties for not paying a clean air zone charge within 28 days includes a £120 fine as well as a charge certificate which increases the penalty to £180. You can pay your Bath clean air zone charges here.

What Is The Bath Clean Air Zone In 2025?

The Bath Clean Air Zone (CAZ) was introduced on March 15, 2021, making it the first charging CAZ outside of London.

The initiative was launched to tackle rising emissions in inner-city congestion areas, supporting Bath’s push for more sustainable vehicles and travel habits.

The scheme is part of a government-led initiative to reduce air pollution, focusing on improving air quality within legal limits.

The Bath CAZ encourages drivers to switch to cleaner vehicles by imposing daily charges on high-polluting vehicles. However, private cars and motorcycles are not charged.

Why Was There A Bath Clean Air Zone Delay?

The Bath Clean Air Zone was initially scheduled to launch in November 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Concerns about post-pandemic recovery for businesses and residents led Bath City Council to postpone the launch to March 15, 2021.

This allowed time for additional support and cleaner vehicle alternatives to be offered to local residents and businesses.

Bath Clean Air Zone Times & Start Date

Start Date: March 15, 2021
Operating Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Daily Charge: Only once per day, regardless of how many times you enter the zone

The Bath CAZ operates continuously, meaning non-compliant vehicles are charged daily if they enter the zone at any time.

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Bath Clean Air Zone Vehicle Charges

The Bath CAZ is classified as a Class C Clean Air Zone, which means the following vehicles are charged if they do not meet emission standards:

Taxis, Vans, and Minibuses: £9 per day
Buses, Coaches, and HGVs: £100 per day
Private Cars and Motorcycles: Not charged

Key Factors Affecting Charges:

Vehicle emission standards
Engine type and fuel size
VED tax rates

Bath Clean Air Zone Location, Map & Postcode Checker

The Bath Clean Air Zone covers the city centre and extends to areas such as:

BA1 1LF – North Parade
BA2 4AX – Pulteney Bridge
BA1 2HX – Queen Square
BA2 6QR – Cleveland Road
BA1 2LR – Royal Crescent
BA1 2AR – Royal Victoria Park

Inside the proposed bath clean air zone boundary are public transport hubs like the bus and railway stations, two petrol stations and nine car parks.

For sports fans, Bath Cricket Club is inside the zone, but Bath Rugby Club sits outside the boundary.

Including part of the A36 sparked a backlash from the Road Haulage Association – Higher polluting HGVs, along with buses and coaches, would be charged £100 a day to enter the zone.

View whether your area falls into the Bath clean air zone with your postcode below!

Bath Clean Air Zone Exemptions & Support

Certain vehicles are exempt from the Bath CAZ charges, including:

Private Cars and Motorcycles: Not charged, even for work purposes
Historic Vehicles: Registered before 1980
Military Vehicles: Fully exempt
Blue Badge Holders: Exempt if registered with Bath City Council

Financial Assistance and Vehicle Upgrades

To support the transition to cleaner vehicles, Bath City Council provided financial assistance, including grants and interest-free loans to help businesses and individuals upgrade their vehicles.

This initiative aimed to reduce the number of non-compliant vehicles in the Bath CAZ.

Over 1,500 applicants received financial support
More than 900 vehicles were adapted or replaced with cleaner alternatives
By 2023, at least 1,000 non-compliant vehicle drivers received financial aid to upgrade

However, this financial assistance scheme is now closed. Applicants who missed the deadline can no longer apply for grants or loans, but support for ongoing compliance and exemption inquiries remains available through Bath City Council.

For more information on current support options, visit the Bath City Council website.

Air Quality Improvements and Impact

Since its launch, the Bath CAZ has significantly improved air quality:

21% reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) across the city (compared to 2019)
26% average reduction in NO₂ concentrations within the zone
71% decrease in polluting vehicles entering the zone by the end of 2022

Recent Developments and News

Emergency Vehicle Exemption Ending: The four-year exemption for emergency service vehicles will end on March 14, 2025, impacting some police cars, ambulances, and fire engines.

Ongoing Compliance Improvements:

Avon & Somerset Police: Over 200 hybrid and electric vehicles in their fleet
Avon Fire & Rescue Service: 40% of station-based appliances are CAZ compliant, aiming for 48% compliance by March 2026
Financial Impact: The Bath CAZ has generated over £7 million in fines since its implementation.

Criticisms and Challenges

While the Bath CAZ has positively impacted air quality, some residents and businesses have raised concerns:

Traffic Displacement: Increased congestion in other parts of Bath and neighbouring towns.
Business Impact: Concerns about the financial burden on small businesses relying on non-compliant vehicles.

Sell Your Car for a Better Bath

If you’re looking to avoid CAZ charges or want to get rid of a non-compliant vehicle, Scrap Local can help!

We provide:

Free vehicle collection in Bath and surrounding areas
Top prices for scrap and polluting vehicles
No hidden fees and hassle-free paperwork

Whether you’re looking to scrap an old van or recycle a polluting vehicle, Scrap Local’s award-winning network connects you with trusted car breakers and vehicle recyclers in Bath.

Questions On Bath's Clean Air Zone

Why Did The Bath Clean Air Zone Come Into Play?

The Bath CAZ was implemented on March 15, 2021, to address high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution in the city.

The primary goal is to improve air quality and public health by reducing emissions from vehicles, particularly in areas where pollution exceeds legal limits.

The initiative encourages the use of cleaner, compliant vehicles and promotes sustainable travel habits.
Where Does Bath The Clean Air Zone Map Begin?
The Bath CAZ encompasses a wide central area of the city, including:
- The High Common and Royal Victoria Park to the northwest
- Extending east to the Bathwick area and King Edward’s School campus
- Covering the A36 road and some of its turnoffs at the southern border
- Parts of Wells Road and Oldfield Road
For a detailed map and to check if a specific postcode falls within the zone, visit the Bath and North East Somerset Council website.
What Are The Bath Clean Air Zone Charges?
The Bath CAZ is classified as a Class C Clean Air Zone. Charges apply to non-compliant vehicles entering the zone:
- Taxis, Private Hire Vehicles, Vans, and Minibuses: £9 per day
- Buses, Coaches, and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs): £100 per day
- Private cars and motorcycles are not charged.
Charges apply daily from midnight to midnight; entering the zone multiple times within the same day incurs only one charge.
Should I Remove My Polluting Car In Bath With The New Clean Air Zone?

While private cars are currently exempt from charges in the Bath CAZ, operating a high-emission vehicle contributes to air pollution.

Transitioning to a cleaner, compliant vehicle can positively impact the environment and public health.

Additionally, future regulations may change, potentially including private cars in the charging scheme.

Considering these factors, upgrading to a low-emission vehicle is advisable.
What Cars Are Exempt From The Bath Clean Air Zone?
Exemptions in the Bath CAZ include:
- Private Cars and Motorcycles: Not charged, even for work purposes
- Historic Vehicles: Registered before 1980
- Military Vehicles: Fully exempt
- Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles: Such as electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
- Vehicles Retro-fitted to Meet Emission Standards: Certified under the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS)
Some local exemptions, such as those for Blue Badge holders and certain community transport vehicles, expired on March 15, 2023.
What Are The Bath Clean Air Zone Penalties?

Failure to pay the required charge for a non-compliant vehicle entering the Bath CAZ results in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £120.

If paid within 14 days, this is reduced to £60.

You have up to 28 days from the date of service of the PCN to either pay the fine or challenge it.

Challenges made after the initial 14 days may forfeit the discounted rate if unsuccessful.
8. How Do I Pay the Bath Clean Air Zone Charge?
Payments for entering the Bath CAZ can be made:
- Up to 6 days before the day of your visit
- The day of your visit
- Up to 6 days after the day of your visit
Payments can be made online through the Government’s Clean Air Zone payment portal.

Failure to pay within this timeframe may result in a Penalty Charge Notice.

For further assistance or inquiries, contact the Bath Clean Air Zone support team via email at [email protected] or by phone at 01225 396189 (Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm; Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm).