The Bradford Clean Air Zone (CAZ) was officially launched on 26th September 2022.
It operates as a Class C+ CAZ, meaning private cars and motorcycles are not charged, regardless of age or emissions. Charges apply only to certain non-compliant commercial and larger vehicles.
Our updated 2025 guide explains everything you need to know about Bradford’s CAZ, including the zone map, charges, exemptions, grant updates, and what this means for drivers and local businesses.
Bradford’s CAZ has now been active for over two years. Compliance rates have increased, and previously available CAZ grants have helped small businesses and taxi drivers upgrade older vehicles. As of 2025, private cars remain exempt, and no new charges have been introduced for residents.
It’s important to confirm whether your vehicle is compliant before driving into Bradford’s Clean Air Zone.
Vehicles charged in the Bradford CAZ:
Vehicles not charged in Bradford’s CAZ
Even if your private car is older or high-polluting, you will not be charged in Bradford’s CAZ.
Thankfully, you can check if your vehicle faces daily charges below!
The Clean Air Zone covers areas around Bradford’s Outer Ring Road, including parts of the Aire Valley corridor.
Areas included in the zone:
Bradford City Council has previously explored the possibility of extending the CAZ in certain areas, but as of 2025, no confirmed expansion has been implemented.
An official interactive CAZ map is available on the Bradford Council website.
The CAZ is Class C+, meaning all private cars and motorcycles are automatically exempt.
Other exemptions include:
Blue Badge status, historic vehicle age, or “disabled tax class” do not automatically guarantee exemption. Any exemption must be confirmed via the official CAZ system.
Local exemptions originally existed for:
However, not all programmes remain open. Drivers should check the Bradford Council website for the current exemption criteria.
It’s important to consider Bradford’s Clean Air Zone’s impact on the environment and its implications for you.
An innovative approach to tackling pollution, the Clean Air Initiative provides funding and grants to residents and small business owners seeking sustainable alternatives to their current polluting vehicles.
The following charges apply to non-compliant vehicles driving through Bradford’s Clean Air Zone:
#BreatheBetterBradford is an initiative by Bradford City Council that supports residents and businesses with the running costs of electric vehicles and other sustainable transport options.
These grants are available to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), self-employed individuals, sole traders, charities, and educational establishments across the Bradford Metropolitan District.
Bradford Clean Air Zone grants fall into three main categories:
Due to high demand, most Clean Air Zone grant schemes have now closed, and no new applications are currently being accepted. If you have previously applied for a grant, your application will still be processed, and you will be contacted with further details.
While no new funding is available at this time, you can check the Bradford Council website for any future funding opportunities or scheme reopenings.
Grants were made available to SMEs, sole traders, educational establishments, and registered charities in the Bradford Metropolitan District to help replace or retrofit non-compliant vehicles and support ongoing electric vehicle costs.
Grants were not available for businesses with more than 250 staff.
Funding was previously available through schemes such as:
For any further inquiries, residents and businesses can check the Bradford Council website or contact the council for the latest updates on clean air initiatives.
With the Bradford Clean Air Zone (CAZ) now in full effect, driving non-compliant vehicles through the city is no longer a viable option for residents and small businesses.
Thankfully, Scrap Local works with trusted, local recyclers who can provide a hassle-free vehicle recycling service across Bradford.
We offer great prices for non-compliant vehicles, helping motorists transition to cleaner transport options while supporting sustainability across Bradford and West Yorkshire.
Support the local economy and the circular recycling industry by scrapping your old car today!
We have hundreds of scrap car buyers waiting to buy your scrap car.
