Birmingham's Clean Air Zone Explained

The Birmingham Clean Air Zone (CAZ) operates 24/7 within the A4540 Middleway. Drivers of non-compliant vehicles must pay £8 per day for cars or £50 for HGVs and coaches. Before travelling, drivers should check their vehicle using the official government checker to avoid fines of up to £120.

Bad air quality can have a big impact on people, animals and even the economy. To help cut down on pollution from vehicles, policies such as Clean Air Zones have been introduced across the UK.

Birmingham started its own Clean Air Zone back in June 2021. In this article, learn what the Clean Air Zone is, what areas it covers, and what it costs to drive in the Zone.

Birmingham Clean Air Zone Quick Facts

What is a Clean Air Zone?

In Birmingham, a Clean Air Zone refers to a designated area where specific measures are implemented to enhance air quality, primarily by discouraging the entry of vehicles with higher emission levels. While no vehicle is prohibited from entering the zone, those that fail to comply with established emission standards are required to pay a daily fee.

How much is the Birmingham Clean Air Zone?

The charge for driving in the Birmingham Clean Air Zone with a vehicle that doesn’t meet emission standards is:

• Cars, taxis and LGVs (large goods vehicles): £8 per day
• Coaches and HGVs (heavy goods vehicles): £50 per day

How to pay the Birmingham Clean Air Zone charge

You can pay the charge by phone on 0300 029 8888 or online, either:

1. 6 days before you travel in the zone
2. The day of travel
3. 6 days following the day of travel

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm (except bank holidays) and Saturday, 8am to 2pm.

Can you drive your car in the Birmingham Clean Air Zone?

Yes, you can drive your car in the area that covers the Clean Air Zone, but make sure you pay the relevant fees.

Cameras are installed within the Clean Air Zone to identify vehicles liable for payment. Failure to pay the charge can result in a fine of £120. This can be reduced to £60 if you pay it within the first 14 days.

How to appeal a Clean Air Zone fine in Birmingham

You can challenge the fine if you think if was given by mistake.

You can do this by following the method on your Clean Air Zone PCN (Penalty Charge Notice). Your appeal will be considered within 56 days. If it is accepted, your PCN will be cancelled. If it is rejected, you will have 28 days to pay.

How to check if you need to pay the Birmingham Clean Air Zone charge

You can use an online vehicle checker to see if your vehicle is compliant or not. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and check to see which Clean Air Zones you need to pay a charge for.

You will not have to pay if you:

• Drive an electric or hybrid vehicle.
• Your car meets emission standards.

How to check if you owe money for the Birmingham Clean Air Zone

The online vehicle checker also enables you to check if you owe any money. Simply create an account and add one or more vehicles to the account.

Is the Birmingham clean air zone active 24 hours?

The Clean Air Zone operates continuously, 24 hours a day, throughout the year, encompassing the city centre area within the boundaries of the A4540 Middleway.

Is the Birmingham airport in the Clean Air Zone?

No, the Birmingham Airport is not included in the Clean Air Zone, and neither is the National Exhibition Centre.

The Clean Air Zone is signposted with two types of signs:

1. Informational signs just before the Zone starts
2. Signs on the actual boundary of the Zone.