Charging begins for Birmingham Clean Air Zone

The Clean Air Zone will charge £8 for cars that do not meet the required emissions standards

Today is the first day that motorists with vehicles that do not meet emissions requirements will be charged in the Birmingham Clean Air Zone, after the scheme underwent a “soft launch” two weeks ago.

The Clean Air Zone is within the A4540 Middleway (but not the Middleway itself) and will be used by Birmingham City Council to encourage the drivers of the most polluting vehicles to upgrade or replace their vehicle. People are also being encouraged to think about walking, cycling or using public transport more – especially for shorter journeys.

“After more than two years of planning, I’m delighted to launch Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone. This is a bold move that will help to address some significant health inequalities in our city. This is also an important step in encouraging people to re-think how we all move around the city,” said Councillor Waseem Zaffar MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Birmingham City Council.

“I’m confident that this initiative will save lives, and provide a cleaner, greener, safer space for our communities in a part of our city that has a problem with poor air quality.”

Cars, taxis and LGVs which do not meet the Clean Air Zone emission standard will be charged £8 a day and non-compliant coaches, buses and HGVs will be charged £50 per day.

Birmingham City Council says a range of support measures have been brought in to support those immediately impacted by the changes. This includes temporary exemption permits and financial incentives as well as the Heavy Duty Vehicle (HDV Fund).

Anyone who fails to pay the daily fee within six days of their journey will face a penalty charge notice.