Bristol’s Clean Air Zone Reminder

Are you a person who frequently drives through Bristol? Does Monday 28th November 2022 ring any bells? If not, it’s time to knuckle down and get reading, as that’s the date that Bristol’s Clean Air Zone initiative finally launches.

Soon you might find yourself handed a hefty fine for not following the rules, so it is best to get educated now on exactly what the Clean Air Zone means for you, your vehicle and your business.

What Is A Clean Air Zone?

A Clean Air Zone is a designated area where there is an effort being made to help improve the air quality. Bath, Birmingham, Bradford and Portsmouth already have Clean Air Zones in effect, with places such as Bristol, Sheffield, Tyneside and more aiming to implement them soon.

There are four classes of Clean Air Zone, class A to D. Class A affects only buses, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles, but as the classes move down more vehicle types are added to this, which can end up including heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses, cars and motorcycles.

Bristol’s Clean Air Zone

Bristol’s Clean Air Zone seeks to improve air quality by reducing the harmful levels of air pollution caused by traffic, as well as support local businesses and make sure everyone benefits from a healthy and natural environment. It encourages the use of cleaner vehicles and for people to walk, cycle or use public transport. The Bristol Clean Air Zone is a Small CAZ D.

Starting from Monday 28th November, you could face charges for driving in Bristol if your vehicle is not efficient enough. This could be a daily charge of £9 for cars, taxis and light goods vehicles (under 3.5 tonnes), but could reach £100 a day for heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches.

The charges apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so there is no avoiding them by only driving at certain times. Charges do not apply to a variety of vehicles including:

• Euro 4, 5 and 6 petrol vehicles, roughly 2006 upwards

• Euro 6 diesel vehicles, roughly end of 2015 onwards

• fully electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles

• modified or retrofitted vehicles registered with the Energy Saving Trust’s Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS)

• Motorbikes

This service can help you identify if you need to pay. Not sure if you live in Bristol’s Clean Air Zone or will be travelling through it? Check out this map to find out more.

Electric Vans For Sale

As previously mentioned, electric vehicles are not subjected to charges. So if you’re looking to buy a new van or upgrade your existing one, consider going electric. Van Sales UK sells a wide range of electric vehicles, in an excellent selection of makes, models and body types such as a Toyota or Peugeot electric van.

We’re even Bristol-based, so those looking to get a new van before the Clean Air Zone comes into effect should shop with us today. Call 0117 205 0685 if you have any questions about our vans.