Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone charging begins

Charges have come into force for drivers entering Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ).

The zone was officially launched on 1 June but there was a two-week delay to charges to give motorists “time to adjust”.

Birmingham City Council has confirmed that from today, drivers entering Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone in a vehicle that does not meet its emission standards will be required to pay the daily fee, unless a valid exemption is in place.

Vehicles that do not meet the emission standards for the zone will be subject to an £8 (for cars, vans and taxis) or £50 (for HGVs, coaches) daily fee, unless a valid exemption is in place.

Once payments are live people will be able to pay six days prior to the day of travel, the day of travel and six days afterwards.

Cllr Waseem Zaffar Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “The launch of payments for the Government-mandated Clean Air Zone is the latest step on our journey to create a clean air city.

“The Clean Air Zone will help us to address the single biggest environmental risk to public health and I have been clear from the beginning of the scheme that we wanted to make its introduction fair and reasonable. Today marks the start of important change.

“Approximately 75% of cars will not be subject to the daily charge, but I must stress for drivers to please ensure you check if your vehicle will be charged using the vehicle checker tool. You can also find out more about the payment process and support available on the Brum Breathes website.”