Clean Air Zone In Newcastle

The Newcastle Clean Air Zone (CAZ) was officially launched on January 30, 2023.

Charges for non-compliant taxis, private hire vehicles, buses, coaches, and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) began on this date.

Charges for non-compliant vans and light goods vehicles (LGVs) commenced on July 17, 2023, following a temporary exemption period.

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Newcastle Clean Air Zone | Vehicle Compliance

To determine if your vehicle is subject to CAZ charges, utilise the official government vehicle checker.

Vehicles Subject to Charges:

Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles: Non-compliant vehicles are charged £12.50 per day.
Vans (LGVs): Non-compliant vehicles are charged £12.50 per day.
HGVs, Buses, and Coaches: Non-compliant vehicles are charged £50 per day.
Private Cars and Motorcycles: Currently exempt from charges.

Vehicles must meet the following emission standards to avoid charges:

Diesel Vehicles: Euro 6
Petrol Vehicles: Euro 4

Newcastle Clean Air Zone | Location & Map

The CAZ encompasses most of Newcastle city centre and includes key routes over the following bridges:

Tyne Bridge
Swing Bridge
Redheugh Bridge
High-Level Bridge

Newcastle Clean Air Zone | Exemptions

Certain vehicles, residents, and businesses may qualify for exemptions, categorised as national or local exemptions.

National Exemptions:

Agricultural vehicles
Military vehicles
Historic vehicles (over 40 years old)
Disabled tax-class vehicles

Local Exemptions:

Some residents previously qualified for temporary support or exemptions, but these schemes have largely ended. Residents should check current eligibility directly.
Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles (if retrofitted or compliant)
Essential business-use vehicles (assessed on a case-by-case basis)

Many temporary local exemptions introduced at launch have now ended, particularly for vans and light goods vehicles. Only specific cases may still qualify. For example, the temporary exemption for light goods vehicles ended on July 17, 2023.

Payment of CAZ Charges

Payments for CAZ charges can be made as follows:

Up to 6 days before travel
On the day of travel
Up to 6 days after driving in the zone

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

Newcastle Clean Air Zone | Grants & Financial Support

The financial support scheme has been expanded to assist more vehicle owners in upgrading to compliant vehicles.

As of February 2025, additional funding is available under new eligibility criteria.

Available Grant Funding:

Buses & Coaches: Up to £16,000
HGVs: Up to £16,000
LGVs (Vans): Up to £4,500
Taxis & Private Hire Vehicles: Up to £3,500
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis: Up to £4,000

New Eligibility Criteria:

Vehicles registered to a home or business address in Newcastle, Gateshead, or North Tyneside are now eligible for funding without the need to demonstrate regular business activity within the CAZ.

This change aims to assist up to 500 additional local people, businesses, and community groups.

Funding Availability & Application Reminder:

As of February 2025, more than £10 million of the allocated £15 million for CAZ grants remains unspent. Funding schemes have been introduced and expanded since launch, but availability, eligibility, and remaining funds may change.

Always check the latest updates from the local council.

Applicants should check their eligibility to benefit from the available support.

Vehicle Not Compliant in Newcastle’s CAZ? Options to Consider

If your vehicle does not meet compliance standards, consider the following options:

Apply for a Local Exemption: If eligible.
Utilise Grant Funding: To upgrade or replace your vehicle.
Sell or Scrap Your Vehicle: Transition to a compliant alternative.

Scrap Your Car in Newcastle

Removing high-emission vehicles contributes to improved air quality in Newcastle.
Scrapping a non-compliant vehicle can be a practical long-term solution, particularly if repair or upgrade costs outweigh the vehicle’s value.
Our network of local, trusted vehicle recyclers offers guaranteed prices, no fees, and fast, free collection.

Newcastle Clean Air Zone: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, exemptions are available in two categories:

National Exemptions (Automatically Applied):
- Agricultural vehicles
- Military vehicles
- Historic vehicles (over 40 years old)
- Disabled tax-class vehicles
Local Exemptions (Require Application):
- Residents living within the CAZ (temporary exemption)
- Hackney carriages and private hire vehicles (if retrofitted or compliant)
- Essential business-use vehicles (assessed on a case-by-case basis)
Some exemptions were temporary and have now ended. For example, the temporary exemption for light goods vehicles (LGVs) expired on July 17, 2023.
Yes, financial support is available for businesses and residents to replace or upgrade non-compliant vehicles.

Available Grant Funding:
- Buses & Coaches: Up to £16,000
- HGVs: Up to £16,000
- LGVs (Vans): Up to £4,500
- Taxis & Private Hire Vehicles: Up to £3,500
- Wheelchair Accessible Taxis: Up to £4,000
New Eligibility Criteria (2025 Expansion):

Vehicles registered to a home or business address in Newcastle, Gateshead, or North Tyneside are now eligible for funding, even if the business does not regularly operate in the CAZ.

This expansion aims to assist 500 additional businesses, residents, and community groups.
Failure to pay within 6 days of driving in the CAZ will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

The amount of the fine will depend on the vehicle type and the delay in payment.

What if my vehicle is not compliant in the long term?

If your vehicle does not meet the emission requirements, there are several options:
- Apply for an exemption if eligible
- Use grant funding to upgrade or replace the vehicle
- Sell or scrap your non-compliant vehicle and switch to a cleaner alternative

Martin Handley

Founder & MD of Scrap Local