Bristol CAZ launch date announced after delay

The Mayor of Bristol has confirmed that the city’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) will start operating on 28 November, almost a year later than when the Council was ordered to have its system in place from.

Bristol City Council was originally ordered to have its system for charging polluting vehicles in place by October 2021, but the Council announced in July 2021 that it would not launch until the summer of 2022.  

Over 71% of vehicles travelling into Bristol already meet the zone’s emission standards, with charges not applying to Euro 4, 5 and 6 petrol vehicles (most new vehicles purchased since 2006), Euro 6 diesel vehicles (purchased since the end of 2015), electric vehicles, motorbikes and retrofitted vehicles registered with the Energy Saving Trust’s accreditation scheme.

£42m of funding is available to help people replace vehicles to meet the zone’s emission standards, and there is an exemption available until July 2023 for those that are successful in applying for financial support and have yet to receive their new vehicle.

Bristol City Council have also asked the government to extend other temporary exemptions from the charge, which will be available to residents in the zone, people working within the zone and earning less than £27,000 a year, Blue Badge holders and patients attending hospitals in the zone. Applications for these temporary exemptions will open in September.

During negotiations with government, £9.5m was also secured to help people switch to active travel, including bike and e-bike trials, cycle training, VOI e-scooter credit, bus tickers and planning sessions with travel experts.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees said: ‘This is a major milestone on our journey to clean air. We have now agreed a launch date for the zone with government ministers and officials at the Joint Air Quality Unit. On Monday 28 November Bristol will introduce one of the most far-reaching zones in the UK. Poor air quality has a major impact on the health of everyone in the city and the Clean Air Zone will help us tackle this issue and meet government targets for cleaner air in 2023.

‘Most drivers on Bristol roads won’t need to pay the daily charge but if you do then you may be eligible for financial support to upgrade your vehicle. It’s easy to check if your vehicle will be charged with the government’s Clean Air Zone checker tool.’

Photo by Mario Klassen