Since June 1, 2021, Birmingham has enforced a government-mandated Clean Air Zone (CAZ) operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Drivers entering the city centre with non-compliant vehicles face daily charges of £8 for cars and vans or £50 for heavy goods vehicles, coaches, and buses. Failure to pay within six days results in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £120, reduced to £60 if settled within 14 days.
Perimeter and Boundary
The Clean Air Zone covers the entire city centre within the A4540 Middleway ring road. This includes major routes such as the A38 Bristol Road, Dartmouth Circus, the Jewellery Quarter, and Digbeth. Drivers can travel on the Middleway itself without entering the zone or incurring a charge. Road signs displaying a green cloud with the letter 'D' mark the zone, indicating a Class D Clean Air Zone.
Vehicle Compliance Rules
Charges depend on a vehicle's engine standard, not its age, although age is a useful guide. Petrol vehicles must meet Euro 4 standards (generally from January 2006 onwards). Diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6 standards (generally from September 2015 onwards). Electric and hydrogen vehicles are fully exempt, as are motorcycles and mopeds. Hybrids must meet the relevant criteria based on their engine type.
Daily Charges and Payment
Non-compliant vehicles incur a flat daily rate from midnight to midnight. Entering at 11:30 pm and leaving at 12:30 am results in charges for two days. Private cars, taxis (Hackney carriages and private hire), and light goods vehicles (vans/minibuses) pay £8 per day. Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), coaches, and buses pay £50 per day.
Payments can be made up to six days before travel, on the day, or up to six days after entering the zone. The automated ANPR camera system issues a PCN if payment is not made within the six-day window.
Exemptions and Vouchers
Visitors to Birmingham Children's Hospital, Badger Medical, or Bath Row Medical Practice for appointments can collect a voucher at the facility to waive the CAZ charge for that day. Vehicles in the 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger' tax class, historic/classic cars over 40 years old, and military vehicles are automatically exempt.
