Bath Clean Air Zone (CAZ) Explained
Last updated March 24, 2023
Following the successful implementation of the Congestion Charge Zones in London and Birmingham - and the Ultra-low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in Central London, a number of English cities, including Portsmouth, Bristol and Sheffield have introduced their own ‘Clean Air Zones’.
Bath also officially launched a ‘Clean Air Zone’ in its city centre in 2021. Drivers of specific high-emission vehicles who enter the designated area will have to pay a daily charge.
This charge is designed to discourage the use of high-emission vehicles around the city centre – and reduce their environmental impact.
In this guide, we will explain where Bath’s Clean Air Zone charge applies, who has to pay the charge, who is exempt, how to pay – and the penalties for failing to pay. So, if you live in Bath or drive in the area on a regular basis, read on to avoid any unexpected charges.
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Where is the Bath Clean Air Zone?
The Bath Clean Air Zone operates throughout the city centre (including Royal Victoria Park, Kingsmead, Walcot and Bathwick). If you are unsure whether you’ll be driving in the affected area, you can check the full map of the Bath Clean Air Zone or enter your destination postcode into the Bath CAZ postcode checker on the Bath & North East Somerset Council website.
When did the Bath Clean Air Zone begin?
The Bath Clean Air Zone was announced in 2018 and was initially set to commence operation towards the end of 2020. After some delay, the Bath Clean Air Zone was officially introduced in March 2021.
Who has to pay the Bath Clean Air Zone charge?
Bath has a Class C Clean Air Zone, meaning that the charge applies to buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans – and minibuses that do not meet the following emissions criteria:
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Euro VI
Buses, coaches and heavy good vehicles.
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Euro 6 (diesel) or Euro 4 (petrol)
Vans, taxis and private hire vehicles.
No charge currently applies for private cars, motorcycles, and mopeds in the Bath Clean Air Zone, regardless of their emissions standards.
How much is the charge?
The Bath Clean Air Zone charge that you are liable to pay depends on the kind of vehicle that you drive. Taxis, minibuses, vans, pickups, and campervans are charged £9 per day, whereas coaches, buses, trucks, lorries, and private heavy goods vehicles are subject to the higher charge of £100 per day.
The charge for private heavy goods vehicles is reduced to £9 if they are registered with Bath & North East Somerset Council.
When does the Bath Clean Air Zone fee have to be paid by?
You must pay the Bath Clean Air Zone charge within a twelve-day window, which opens six days before your journey and closes six days after.
What cars are exempt from the Bath Clean Air Zone charge?
As Bath has a Class C Clean Air Zone, all private cars, motorcycles and mopeds are exempt from the charge, regardless of their emission standards - as are electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, vehicles with disabled tax - and any historic or military vehicles.
Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans and minibuses are also exempt from the charge, if they meet the following emissions criteria:
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Euro VI
Buses, coaches and heavy good vehicles.
-
Euro 6 (diesel) or Euro 4 (petrol)
Vans, taxis and private hire vehicles.
If your vehicle does not fall into any of these categories and is not registered for a residents’ or business exemption, you may need to pay a charge to enter the Bath CAZ.
It is worth noting that the rules regarding exemptions may be subject to change and it is always advisable to check the latest guidance from Bath and Northeast Somerset Council before travelling.
How do I pay the Bath Clean Air Zone charge?
The daily charge for the Bath Clean Air Zone can be paid by drivers online through the official gov.uk website. Taxi companies and coach providers also have the option to create a business account, which allows them to conveniently handle payments for multiple vehicles.
What happens if I don’t pay the Bath CAZ fee?
You won’t be notified that you have to pay the CAZ charge after driving within the Bath Clean Air Zone, so it’s your responsibility to know when you need to pay the fee.
If you fail to pay the Bath Clean Air Zone charge within the twelve-day window, you’ll likely receive a Penalty Charge Notice of £120 (reduced to £60 if you pay within 14 days).
How much is the fine for the Bath Clean Air Zone?
In the event that you are issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for non-payment of the Bath Clean Air Zone charge, and you do not pay or contest the PCN within 28 days, the fine will be raised to £180 (in addition to the initial Clean Air Zone charge).
Failure to pay the PCN at this point may result in it being pursued through the county court or through bailiff action.
