When does the Portsmouth clean air zone start?

Portsmouth will implement a class B CAZ on 29th November 2021. The clean air zone will tackle rising pollution levels across the city. The scheme will run for 24 hours a day and all year round.

Where does the Portsmouth clean air zone start and end?

Initially, the clean air zone in Portsmouth was set to cover all of the city. Following government consultation, the scheme will mainly run from the southwest area of the city and will include: Those travelling across the Wightlink ferry line Portsea Island Cascades Gunwharf Quays Portsmouth Internal Port is not part of the clean air zone.

What vehicles are affected by the Portsmouth clean air zone?

If you drive a Euro 4 or Euro 6 vehicle that does not meet emission standards, then you will be required to pay a daily charge. Vehicles affected by the Portsmouth clean air zone are: HGVs, buses and coaches - £50 a day to drive in the Portsmouth clean air zone. Private vehicles and taxis - a daily charge of £10 to enter the Portsmouth CAZ.

What grants are available in Portsmouth CAZ?

If you are a resident, charity or small business owner, then you may be eligible for special funding. The government has awarded Portsmouth with a 3.2M clean air fund. The grant allows owners of polluting vehicles to upgrade their vehicles for more sustainable alternatives. Additionally, small business owners may be eligible for £16,000 of the clean air fund. This can be used to “electrify” their current transport following an increase in charge points across the city. If you’re eligible you must complete an application to receive the Portsmouth clean air zone grant or exemption. Apply for a clean air grant here!

How can I remove my polluting vehicle in Portsmouth?

If your vehicle does not meet emission standards and you’re looking to switch to a greener, more sustainable alternative, then scrapping your car is your best option. Thankfully, Scrap Local ensures that vehicle recycling is a reliable process. We offer a free scrap car collection service across Portsmouth. We can even provide you with a Certificate of Destruction (COD) to confirm that your vehicle is scrapped if you request one! Submit an enquiry for a hassle-free scrap car removal near you!

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone: Everything You Need To Know

Portsmouth’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) was launched on November 29, 2021, as a Class B CAZ to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution and improve public health.

Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the CAZ targets older, high-emission vehicles.

This guide provides the most recent updates for 2025, including vehicle charges, exemptions, air quality improvements, and ongoing initiatives.

Why Was the Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Introduced?

The Portsmouth Clean Air Zone was introduced to combat high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution, especially in areas with heavy traffic congestion.

Purpose: Improve air quality and public health.
Goal: Reduce NO₂ pollution to meet legal air quality standards.
Scope: Part of a national initiative to encourage cleaner travel habits and sustainable vehicle use.

Despite the introduction of the CAZ, Portsmouth has not yet met air quality standards.

The city council monitors air quality at 230 locations, with three areas still above legal limits and nine at risk of exceeding.

Therefore, the CAZ remains necessary to reduce pollution levels.

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Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Start Date and Operation

The Portsmouth Clean Air Zone began on November 29, 2021, and was the first Class B CAZ in Hampshire.

Operating Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Daily Charge: Once per day, regardless of how many times you enter the zone.
Duration: Charges apply every day of the year, including weekends and holidays.

The CAZ will continue to operate until NO₂ levels are consistently below legal limits. The city council is currently conducting a targeted feasibility study with the Joint Air Quality Unit to explore additional measures to reduce pollution.

Results of this study are expected towards the end of 2024, with no public updates yet.

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Map and Boundaries

The Portsmouth CAZ covers approximately 3 square kilometres in the southwest of Portsmouth. Key areas include:

Portsea Island
Cascades
Gunwharf Quays
Wightlink Ferry Line
A3 London Road (partially covered)

The Portsmouth International Port is not included in the zone.

Additionally, the CAZ does not cover areas along the M27 and A27, as these are controlled by the government.

View the full map and check if your area falls into the CAZ with the Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Map.

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Vehicle Checker

To check if your vehicle meets the emission standards required for the Portsmouth CAZ, use the Government’s vehicle checker.

Non-compliant vehicles are typically those that do not meet Euro 6 standards for diesel or Euro 4 standards for petrol.

Compliant vehicles include electric, hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Charges

The Portsmouth CAZ is classified as a Class B Clean Air Zone, meaning charges apply to the following non-compliant vehicles:

Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles: £10 per day
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), Buses, and Coaches: £50 per day
Private Cars and Motorcycles: Not charged

Daily Charge Details:

Charges are applied daily from midnight to midnight.
Entering the zone multiple times within the same day incurs only one charge.

To pay your charge or penalty, visit the Government’s Clean Air Zone payment portal.

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Exemptions

Certain vehicles are exempt from the Portsmouth CAZ charges, either permanently or temporarily:

Permanent Exemptions:

Emergency Service Vehicles: Ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles, etc.
Specialist Heavy Vehicles: Specific tax classes such as Special Vehicles, Recovery Vehicles, and Special Concessionary Vehicles.
Military Vehicles: Fully exempt from charges.
Historic Vehicles: Registered before 1980.

Temporary Exemptions (up to 10 days per year):

Non-commercial Vintage Buses
Horse Transporters classified as HGVs

To apply for an exemption, you must provide:

V5C Log Book
Images of the front, back, and sides of your vehicle
Additional evidence if your vehicle is unsuitable for a retrofit

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Charges

If you drive a non-compliant vehicle within the CAZ without paying the required charge, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will be issued:

£120 fine, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
This penalty is in addition to the daily charge.
Payment Options: Payments can be made up to 6 days before or after the day of travel.

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Grants

Initially, Portsmouth City Council offered financial assistance through a £3.2 million Clean Air Fund to help drivers and small businesses upgrade to cleaner vehicles.

Up to £1,500 per vehicle was available for taxis and private hire vehicles.
Funding is now closed as of 2025, and new applications are no longer accepted.
Over 500 vehicles were upgraded or retrofitted using this fund.

For ongoing compliance and exemption inquiries, visit the Portsmouth City Council website.

Remove Your Car For A Better Portsmouth

It’s important for motorists in Portsmouth to understand the need for a clean air zone following alarming levels of pollution.

As the government looks to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2035, now has never been a better time to ditch your polluting Euro 4 or Euro 6 vehicle.
Many sustainable options are now available to Portsmouth residents. This includes greener transport, electric charge points, retrofitting and grants for small businesses.

We understand scrapping your car may seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be!

Our award-winning network works with local, trusted vehicle recyclers in Portsmouth who offer a free scrap car collection service and remove vehicles for the best prices.

Get a FREE quote today with no hidden admin fees!

Question's On Portsmouth's Clean Air Zone

When does the Portsmouth clean air zone start?

The Portsmouth Clean Air Zone (CAZ) was launched on November 29, 2021. It was introduced to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution in areas with high traffic congestion.

Operating Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The CAZ remains in operation as of 2025 because air quality standards have not yet been met.
Where does the Portsmouth clean air zone start and end?
The Portsmouth CAZ covers approximately 3 square kilometers in the southwest of Portsmouth. It includes:
- Portsea Island
- Cascades
- Gunwharf Quays
- Wightlink Ferry Line
- A3 London Road (partially covered)
Exclusions:
- The Portsmouth International Port is not included in the zone.
- The CAZ does not cover areas along the M27 and A27, as these roads are controlled by the government.
- For a detailed map, visit the Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Map.
What vehicles are affected by the Portsmouth clean air zone?
The Portsmouth CAZ is a Class B Clean Air Zone, meaning charges apply to the following non-compliant vehicles:
- Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles: £10 per day
- Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), Buses, and Coaches: £50 per day
- Private Cars and Motorcycles: Not charged
Non-compliant vehicles are typically those that do not meet:
- Euro 6 standards for diesel engines
- Euro 4 standards for petrol engines
- To check if your vehicle is compliant, use the Government’s vehicle checker.
What grants are available in Portsmouth CAZ?
Initially, Portsmouth City Council offered financial assistance through a £3.2 million Clean Air Fund to help drivers and small businesses upgrade to cleaner vehicles. However:
- The funding is now closed as of 2025, and new applications are no longer accepted.
- Grants of up to £1,500 per vehicle were available for taxis and private hire vehicles.
- Funding was also provided for buses, coaches, and HGVs, but these programs have ended.
- Over 500 vehicles were upgraded or retrofitted using this fund.
For ongoing compliance and exemption inquiries, visit the Portsmouth City Council website.
How can I remove my polluting vehicle in Portsmouth?
How Can I Remove My Polluting Vehicle in Portsmouth?
If your vehicle is non-compliant and you want to avoid CAZ charges, consider scrapping it for a cleaner, more sustainable option.

Scrap Local offers:
- Free vehicle collection across Portsmouth and surrounding areas.
- Top prices for scrap vehicles.
- No hidden fees and hassle-free paperwork.
Get a free quote today with Scrap Local and contribute to cleaner air in Portsmouth!

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone​: Everything You Need To Know

Why Was the Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Introduced?

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Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Start Date and Operation

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Map and Boundaries

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Vehicle Checker

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Charges

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Exemptions

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Charges

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone Grants

Remove Your Car For A Better Portsmouth

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone: Everything You Need To Know