Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone started June 1st and will impact vehicles traveling in the city centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Clean Air Zone?
To improve air quality within the city, Birmingham introduced a Category D Clean Air Zone on 1 June 2021. This means owners of the most high-polluting vehicles will be charged to drive within certain parts of the city centre.
Clean Air Zones are being introduced to cities across the UK, starting with Bath and then Birmingham. Unlike a congestion charge (like in London), which charges every vehicle to enter a designated area, the Clean Air Zone will only charge the most polluting vehicles.
When does the Clean Air Zone Operate?
The zone will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Are all vehicles affected?
Motorcycles and mopeds will not be charged for entering the Clean Air Zone.
Vehicles which meet the following criteria will not be charged and do not need to take any action:
- Diesel – Euro 6 (VI) standard or better (roughly end of 2015 onwards)
- Petrol – Euro 4 standard or better (roughly 2006 onwards)
- Gas – Euro 6 (VI) standard or better
- Fully electric or hydrogen fuel cell – all are compliant and avoid CAZ charges
- Hybrid electric – the diesel/petrol engine must meet the relevant criteria above
How will I know if my vehicles are affected?
Check here to see if your vehicles will be charged or exempt. https://www.brumbreathes.co.uk/
How do I pay the charge?
Find out more about how to pay here. https://www.brumbreathes.co.uk/info/32/charges-operation
Does it apply to me if I’m only in the city to film?
Yes it will. Please check your vehicles here. https://www.brumbreathes.co.uk/
How long do I get to pay the charge?
Drivers can pay six days in advance of their visit, the day of their visit and six days after the day of their visit, giving a total payment window of 13 days. Payments can be paid online using the Government’s payment system or over the phone by calling 0300 029 8888 (Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:30pm). Businesses can set up a fleet account by watching a demonstration video.
If I forget to pay, what are the charges?
If a driver does not pay within the timeframe, they will be issued with a £120 Penalty Charge Notice. This will be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Where is the Clean Air Zone?
Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone only covers the City Centre – all roads within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road but not the Middleway itself. This includes the A38 and tunnels.
Find the interactive map here.
I need to hire vehicles for my production. Is there a list of those who don’t need to pay the fee?
Car & Van Hire
Enterprise – https://www.enterprise.co.uk/en/car-hire/locations/uk/birmingham-city-centre-u343.html?mcid=yext:245709
Lighting and Generator Suppliers
- Panalux – www.panalux.biz/
- Panavision – www.panavision.com/
- Direct Digital – www.direct-digital.com/en
- Universal – www.universalproductionservices.com/ldn
- SHL – www.shlfilmlighting.co.uk
- Lee Lighting – www.leelightingrental.wpcomstaging.com/
Will there be any exemptions for period vehicles used as action cars or set dressing?
Yes – Military and historic vehicles which pass through the Clean Air Zone will be automatically exempt from any charges.
An historic vehicle must have been built or first registered 40 years ago in order to be eligible.
Can you apply for an exemption?
There are several categories for exemptions, please check at – https://www.brumbreathes.co.uk/homepage/13/exemptions
Where is the Clean Air Zone?
Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone only covers the City Centre – all roads within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road but not the Middleway itself. This includes the A38 and tunnels.
Find the interactive map here.