Guide To The Bristol Clean Air Zone (Updated for 2023)

We are calling all motorists! Bristol is the latest city set to launch a clean air zone (CAZ).

Vehicles that aren’t compliant with the zone’s guidelines will be charged daily to enter and drive through the designated area.

Thankfully, our handy guide breaks down everything you need about the Bristol clean air zone.

We’ll cover a wide range of topics, including how to check whether your vehicle’s compliant, where the Bristol CAZ will be located, current charges for motorists, available grants, and sustainable alternatives.

When Will The Bristol Clean Air Zone Start ?

After doubts about when the CAZ will be live (which was earmarked in the summer of 2022), it has now been confirmed that the Clean Air Zone will go live on November 28.

Initially, Bristol’s clean air zone was delayed. It was crucial for both residents and small businesses to be informed and ready for the potential impacts the new site would have on their road journeys.

The clean air zone aims to reduce emissions and encourage road users to transition to greener alternatives. Non-compliant vehicles that don’t meet the CAZ’s guidelines will be penalised and charged a daily fee.

Bristol Clean Air Zone is Now Live In 2023!

Bristol’s Clean air zone is now live! Owners of non-compliant vehicles will now be charged to enter and drive across the clean air zone. The air quality scheme has been scrutinised, although the council and residents generally unite to improve public health and reduced carbon emissions.

Our guide, now updated for 2023, outlines the main clean air zone guidelines, from charges, location and a handy vehicle checker. Enjoy.

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Bristol Clean Air Zone Vehicle Checker

The Bristol clean air zone does not have a vehicle checker on the official GOV—UK website.

However, Bristol City Council is looking for this to be added soon for motorists to check whether their vehicles will be charged.

Bristol is looking to implement a class D clean air zone like Birmingham’s, so you could use the vehicle checker for this zone to see whether you would be charged to drive through Bristol’s CAZ.

Using the GOV, enter your vehicle REG to determine if your car is exempt from the Bristol clean air zone—UK vehicle checker tool for Birmingham.

Most vehicles already meet the zone’s emission standards and won’t be charged. Bristol City Council estimate 71% are already compliant and that this should increase as more people take advantage of the loans and grants to upgrade their vehicles.

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Bristol Clean Air Zone Map

Following the likes of London, Birmingham, and Bath, the Bristol clean air zone will mainly cover the city centre.

The current CAZ includes the following:

    • Coronation Road and the south of the river towards the Bearpit roundabout near the city’s north.
    • Temple Meads in the east.
    • Cumberland Basin and Hotwell road in the west.

Bristol Clean Air Zone Map and Location 2023

It’s important to note a diversion was put in place on November 18, 2022. From Malago road, access was made to:

  • Whitehouse Lane
  • Whitehouse Stree
  • Princess street
  • Windmill Farm Business/Industrial.

Moreover, visitors to Bedminster Asda weren’t just shocked at the price cuts on some best-selling products. When leaving Bedminster Asda onto Coronation road, many were under the impression no charges would be made by going on the north exit – Or, in other ways doing the opposite of the Malago Diversion.

A statement by Bristol council announced that as long as motorists do not trail further from St John’sLane, no charges would be made from the new Bristol Clean Air Zone Location.

You can view the full Bristol clean air zone map below!

Charges For The Bristol Clean Air Zone

Currently, older and more polluting vehicles will have to pay a daily charge to travel through Bristol’s clean air zone.

Once the zone has been launched, charges apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It’s important to note that there is only one charge for entering the zone every 24 hours.

Charges won’t be made to Petrol Euro 4,5 and 6 emissions standards (From 2006) and Diesel Euro 6 Cars (From 2015).

  • Private Cars And Taxis

    Private cars, taxis and LGVs would need to pay a daily charge of £9 for the Bristol CAZ.

  • HGVS, Buses And Coaches

    These vehicles would be required to pay £100 a day to enter and drive across the Bristol clean air zone.

Grants And Loans Available For The Bristol Clean Air Zone (Updated For 2023)

Grants and loans will be made available to help residents and small business owners access greener methods of transport or upgrade their non-compliant vehicles.

The following people could be eligible for funding once subject to Full Business Case approval:

  • Residents and businesses within the zone.
  • Residents and businesses travelling into the zone for work.
  • Individuals earning less than £26,000 a year

#CleanAirForBristol is an initiative run by Bristol City Council which has secured £42 million of clean air zone funding by the government. This funding will go towards the following forms of financial support:

  • £1.8 million of loans and grants to help people who need to change their vehicles.
  • £5.9 million to help people switch to public transport and make more journeys by walking or cycling with free electric bike loans, cycle training and free bus tickets.
  • £32 million offered to businesses that require their HGVs, LGVS or taxis and private hire vehicles to be upgraded.

From 2023, more funding has been made for the existing vehicle to retrofit. You must have been except and applied before November 2022.

To register your interest for financial support, please visit Bristol City Council’s website.

In the last few years, there have been concerns over worsening air-quality conditions in Bristol. The usage of electric-based PMVs (personal mobility vehicles) causes fewer carbon emissions compared to similar journeys made by fossil fuel-based cars.

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Apply For Exemption From The CAZ

Even if your vehicle doesn’t comply with the clean air zone’s guidelines for emissions, you could still apply for exemption with Bristol City Council.

Exemptions are awarded to give motorists the time they need to take advantage of the financial support available and upgrade to a less polluting vehicle.

Bristol City Council have been working to provide both national and local clean air zone exemptions.

These exemptions provide support from the council, create better transport alternatives and offer a sustainable approach to travel across the Bristol clean air zone.

Contact support to see if you’re eligible.

  • National Exemptions

    You could be entitled to a national exemption which allows you to drive hassle-free across the UK despite your vehicle not meeting the emission standards.

    Check the GOV website to see whether you’re eligible.

  • Local Exemptions

    Local exemptions are available for certain groups who have been impacted by the Bristol clean air zone. These include residents and low-income workers as well as the following:

    • Residents and businesses based in the zone.
    • People and businesses working in the zone.
    • Hospital patients and visitors.
    • Blue badge holders.
    • Individuals earning less than £26,000 a year who are working within the zone.
Remove Your Polluting Car In The Bristol CAZ

The Bristol clean air zone will benefit many residents and small businesses as they transition to greener methods of transport.

Other options are available if your vehicle is incompatible and you don’t meet the standards set by the Bristol clean air zone.

Our award-winning network provides a convenient and reliable approach to vehicle recycling.

We can remove your car hassle-free, offer genuine scrap prices to a range of end-of-life vehicles, and connect customers to trusted car scrap yards in Bristol that complete the required paperwork on collection.

Get a free quote with no hidden admin fees to scrap your car in Bristol’s clean air zone!

Question's On The Bristol Clean Air Zone
  • When will the Bristol clean air zone begin?

    The Bristol clean air zone could launch as soon as summer 2022.

    It will run for 24 hours a day for 7 days a week and will charge older, polluting vehicles that enter and drive through the city.

  • Where will the Bristol clean air zone be?

    The Bristol clean air zone will mainly cover the city centre.

    It’s been confirmed by Bristol City Council that this will be a class D zone like Birmingham’s.

    The current CAZ includes:

    • Coronation Road and the south of the river towards the Bearpit roundabout near the north of the city.
    • Temple Meads in the east.
    • Cumberland Basin and Hotwell road in the west.

    You can view the full Bristol clean air zone map on the City Council’s website.

  • What are the Bristol CAZ charges?

    The current Bristol clean air charges are:

    • £9 per day for private cars and taxis
    • £100 per day for coaches, buses and HGVs

    It’s important to note that there is only one charge for entering the zone in each 24 hour period.

  • What Bristol clean air zone grants are available?

    There are certain grants and funding available to residents and business owners who are exempt.

    The amount you could receive will depend on certain criteria.

    Check if you’re eligible for financial support online.

  • What if my car is not compatible in the Bristol clean air zone?

    Scrapping your non-compliant car is arguably the best option you have!

    Scrap Local works with trusted, local car scrap yards that can remove a car in Bristol hassle-free.

    Our award-winning network of vehicle recyclers allows Bristol’s residents to dispose of cars properly and to switch to more sustainable methods of transport.

    Get a free quote and scrap your car in Bristol with our award-winning vehicle recycling service.

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