New cameras installed in Birmingham ahead of CAZ

Siemens Mobility has installed 67 automatic number plate recognition cameras (ANPR) in Birmingham ahead of the new Clean Air Zone (CAZ). 

The ANPR cameras will identify and register every vehicle that enters the CAZ in order to identify which vehicles are exempt from charges. 

The Class D CAZ has been designed to deter drivers of the most polluting vehicles from entering the zone, drivers of all vehicles will be charged, including cars, if they do not meet the latest emissions standards.

The ANPR cameras at the heart of the scheme, which is due to go live in June 2020. 

Wilke Reints, managing director intelligent traffic systems for Siemens Mobility Limited, said: ‘Although air quality in our towns and cities improved dramatically during the first national lockdown since restrictions began to ease in May, we have seen a steady increase in the number of vehicles on our roads and a corresponding reduction in air quality levels.

‘Most cities are now reporting air quality levels at least comparable to, if not worse than, pre-lockdown levels.

‘As a result, local authorities such as Birmingham are forging ahead with clean air zone plans to drive improvements in local air quality and deliver wide-ranging environmental and health benefits.’

Cllr Waseem Zaffar from Birmingham City Council added: ‘Birmingham remains committed to launching the Government mandated Clean Air Zone on 1 June 2021. Poor air quality remains a public health risk and a Clean Air Zone provides the city with an effective tool for tackling this issue in the shortest possible time.

‘We are pleased with the work our partners at Siemens Mobility has done to develop the technology that will enable the zone to operate. This plays a huge part in the preparation for Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone. I would urge drivers who come into the city to ensure they are aware of all of the changes and support on offer by visiting the Brum Breathes website.’

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