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.
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.
The Bath CAZ operates continuously, meaning non-compliant vehicles are charged daily if they enter the zone at any time.
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:
The Bath Clean Air Zone covers the city centre and extends to areas such as:
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!
Certain vehicles are exempt from the Bath CAZ charges, including:
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.
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.
Since its launch, the Bath CAZ has significantly improved air quality:
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:
While the Bath CAZ has positively impacted air quality, some residents and businesses have raised concerns:
If you’re looking to avoid CAZ charges or want to get rid of a non-compliant vehicle, Scrap Local can help!
We provide:
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.
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.
The Bath CAZ encompasses a wide central area of the city, including:
For a detailed map and to check if a specific postcode falls within the zone, visit the Bath and North East Somerset Council website.
The Bath CAZ is classified as a Class C Clean Air Zone. Charges apply to non-compliant vehicles entering the zone:
Charges apply daily from midnight to midnight; entering the zone multiple times within the same day incurs only one charge.
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.
Exemptions in the Bath CAZ include:
Some local exemptions, such as those for Blue Badge holders and certain community transport vehicles, expired on March 15, 2023.
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.
Payments for entering the Bath CAZ can be made:
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).
Whether you’re a scrap metal dealer, vehicle recycler or even a scrap collector, joining Scrap Local today will give you access to thousands of new enquiries each month!
Quick Links
Scrap Car Collection
Join Newsletter
©ScrapLocal.co.uk is a trading name of Code Local Ltd - All rights reserved.
We have hundreds of scrap car buyers waiting to buy your scrap car.