Bath Launches Clean Air Zone
On the 15th of March 2021, Bath became the latest city to institute a clean air zone.
When is it being enforced?
Charges apply 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
What Vehicles does it apply to?
Diesel-powered pick-ups and vans that do not meet the Euro 6 emissions standard
Petrol vehicles that do not meet the Euro 4 standard
Charges also apply to non-compliant HGVs and taxis
Who is exempt?
Private cars are not affected.
How much does it cost to enter?
Drivers of non-compliant HGVs, coaches and buses will have to pay £100 to drive in and around Bath’s city centre.
Drivers of non-compliant taxis, private hire vehicles, LGVs, minibuses, vans and pick-up trucks must pay £9 per day.
Is there any help for non-compliant businesses?
Bath and North East Somerset Council says it has received £9.4 million in UK Government funding to help residents and businesses comply with the new measures, and has set up a scheme to help owners of non-compliant vehicles upgrade, to which more than 500 businesses have already applied.
How is it enforced?
ANPR cameras installed on roads heading into the zone will check vehicles against a database.
Those carrying out non-compliant journeys must declare and pay the charge online, or they will receive a penalty charge notice.
Comment
Council leader Dine Romero said:
“We want to reduce NO2 pollution in Bath to within legal limits by the end of 2021 at the latest, and a charging clean air zone is the only way we can achieve this.
“We know this is a difficult time for businesses, but we’ve gone ahead with the zone during the pandemic because this is a pressing public health issue.
“However, we are working with residents and businesses to help them replace polluting vehicles with cleaner ones and there is significant financial and practical help available.”
CAZ Facts
Later this year by similar measures in Birmingham (June), Oxford (August) and Bristol (October), and many more cities, including Cambridge and Portsmouth, are considering similar initiatives.
In addition, London will expand its ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) outwards to the North Circular and South Circular roads in October.
Useful Links
https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/bath-breathes-2021-overview/news
Bath Launches Clean Air Zone