Bath Clean Air Zone

16-08-2023

In an era where environmental concerns are paramount, communities around the world are taking steps to address air pollution and its adverse effects on public health and the environment. 

One initiative is the Bath Clean Air Zone (CAZ), a pioneering effort by the local authorities of Bath and North East Somerset to combat air pollution and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

Air pollution is a complex problem with far-reaching consequences. From respiratory ailments to ecological disruptions, the impact of poor air quality is undeniable. The Bath Clean Air Zone was conceived as a comprehensive solution to mitigate the harmful effects of air pollution in the city.

Key Goals of the Bath Clean Air Zone

Air Quality Improvement: The primary goal of the Bath Clean Air Zone is to improve air quality by reducing harmful emissions from vehicles within the zone. This encompasses reducing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, which are among the main culprits of poor air quality.

Public Health: By curbing air pollution, the CAZ aims to safeguard public health, particularly among vulnerable populations. Cleaner air translates to fewer respiratory issues, allergies, and related health problems.

Sustainable Urban Planning: The initiative is also driving sustainable urban planning, encouraging the use of alternative transportation modes like cycling and walking, and promoting the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles.

How the Clean Air Zone Works

The Bath Clean Air Zone operates by imposing charges on higher-emission vehicles that enter the designated zone. This incentivizes the use of cleaner alternatives and reduces the number of polluting vehicles on the road. The zone applies charges to specific vehicle types, targeting older diesel vehicles and other high-emission models.

Benefits and Impact

Improved Air Quality: With reduced emissions, the CAZ is expected to bring about a significant improvement in air quality, making Bath a healthier and more pleasant place to live, work, and visit.

Green Technological Shift: The initiative encourages a shift towards greener transportation options. This includes the adoption of electric vehicles, which can play a pivotal role in reducing the carbon footprint.

Economic Growth: While there might be concerns about the impact of charges on businesses that rely on certain vehicles, the CAZ also opens up opportunities for innovation and growth in green technologies and sustainable transportation solutions.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Implementing a Clean Air Zone comes with its set of challenges. The transition to cleaner transportation options might face resistance from some stakeholders. However, as awareness grows and technologies advance, the benefits of such zones will become more evident.

The success of the Bath Clean Air Zone will also serve as a model for other cities grappling with air pollution and looking for effective strategies to address the issue.

The Bath Clean Air Zone stands as a testament to the power of collective action in addressing pressing environmental concerns. By striving to create a healthier, cleaner environment for its residents and visitors, Bath is taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future. As other cities worldwide watch and learn, the Bath Clean Air Zone serves as an inspiring example of how communities can come together to combat air pollution and build a greener world.

Bath Clean Air Zone Charges

here's a breakdown of the vehicle categories, Euro standards, notes, and corresponding daily charges for driving in Bath's Clean Air Zone:

Cars (except taxis and private hire vehicles):

• Cars with a historical vehicle tax class PLG (tax class applying to some cars before 1 March 2001), M1 cars, SUVs, four-by-fours, and campervans: Not applicable
• Drivers of cars and other vehicles with the vehicle category ‘M1’ do not need to pay in Bath, even if they are used for work.
• Some vehicles with the vehicle category ‘N1’ will be chargeable. Please check campervans, SUVs, and four-by-fours using the GOV.UK vehicle checker.
• No charge

Most motorcycles:

• Varies, not applicable
• Motorbikes are not charged in Bath, even if they are used for work.
• No charge

Coaches and buses:

• M3
• Euro 1-5/V diesel and Euro 1 to 3 petrol (or earlier)
• Charges apply whether the vehicle is being used privately or commercially.
• £100

Trucks and lorries (HGVs):

• N2 (over 3.5 tonnes), N3 (over 12 tonnes)
• Euro I to V diesel and Euro 1 to 3 petrol (or earlier)
• Charges apply whether the vehicle is being used privately or commercially.
• £100

Taxis and private hire vehicles:

• M1 (car), M2 (minibus)
• Euro 1-5/V diesel and Euro 1 to 3 petrol (or earlier)
• Charges apply whether the vehicle is being used privately or commercially.
• £9

Minibuses:

• M2
• Euro 1-5/V diesel and Euro 1 to 3 petrol (or earlier)
• Charges apply whether the vehicle is being used privately or commercially.
• £9

Van, light goods vehicle, pick-ups, and some campervans and four-by-fours:

• N1 (Pick-up or van under 3.5 tonnes), PLG (tax class applying to vans prior to 1 March 2001)
• Euro 1-5/V diesel and Euro 1 to 3 petrol (or earlier)
• Charges apply whether the vehicle is being used privately or commercially.
• £9

Private heavy goods vehicles (e.g., horse transporters or motorhomes):

• PHGV
• Euro 1-5/V diesel and Euro 1 to 3 petrol (or earlier)
• Discounts are available
• £100 (reduced to £9 if registered with the council)

These charges are applied daily from midnight to midnight, 7 days a week, all year round in Bath's Clean Air Zone. It's important for vehicle owners and drivers to be aware of these charges and their vehicle's category and Euro standard to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Zone regulations.

Exemptions for Bath Clean Air Zone

The Bath Clean Air Zone offers various exemptions for specific categories of vehicles to encourage environmentally friendly practices and reduce emissions. Here's an overview of the exemptions and their requirements:

Agricultural or Similar Vehicles:

• This exemption applies to non-road-going vehicles with higher emissions, such as tractors, gritters, snow ploughs, mowing machines, and steam-powered vehicles (on a case-by-case basis) that are not nationally exempt.
• Once registered with the council, no further action is needed to activate the exemption.
• The exemption does not have an expiry date, but vehicle owners are required to renew their details with the council annually.
• Evidence required: Applicants need to provide their V5 certificate and photos of the front, back, and sides of the vehicle.

Showman’s Vehicles:

• This exemption applies to higher emission vehicles categorized as 'showman’s vehicles' for road tax purposes.
• Upon registration, there's no additional activation required for the exemption.
• The exemption lasts for up to four years from the zone's launch, with annual details renewal.
• Evidence required: Applicants must provide the V5 certificate and photos of the vehicle's front, back, and sides.

General Haulage Vehicles:

• Higher emission vehicles classified as 'general haulage vehicles' for road tax purposes are eligible for this exemption.
• Similar to other exemptions, no further activation is needed after registration.
• The exemption duration is up to four years from the launch of the zone, with annual details renewal.
• Evidence required: Applicants need to submit the V5 certificate and photos showing the front, back, and sides of the vehicle.

Recovery Vehicles:

• This exemption applies to higher emission vehicles categorized as 'recovery vehicles' for road tax purposes.
• Similar to other exemptions, no extra steps are required following registration.
• The exemption is applicable for up to four years from the zone's launch, with annual details renewal.
• Evidence required: Applicants must provide the V5 certificate and photos showcasing the front, back, and sides of the vehicle.

Special Vehicles:

• This exemption covers higher emission vehicles classified as 'special vehicles' or 'special type vehicles' for road tax purposes.
• As with other exemptions, no additional activation is needed once registered.
• The exemption is valid for up to four years from the zone's launch, with annual details renewal.
• Evidence required: Applicants are asked to submit the V5 certificate and photos depicting the vehicle's front, back, and sides.

In all cases, evidence submission is a crucial part of the application process. The required documents include the V5 certificate and photos of the vehicle. These materials serve to validate the vehicle's eligibility for the exemptions. Through these exemptions, the Clean Air Zone encourages a transition towards vehicles with lower emissions and contributes to the overall reduction of air pollution.

Local Exemptions and Discounts:

• Local exemptions and discounts are specific to Bath's Clean Air Zone.
• These exemptions and discounts are managed through the MiPermit service.
• For instance, after successfully registering for an exemption, if you want to pay for a discounted journey or log an exempt journey for the fee to be waived, you must use the MiPermit service.
• Your local exemption or discount will not be applied at GOV.UK.

Payment and Management:

• Payment of the discounted charge or logging exempt travel is done through MiPermit.
• The normal payment window allows you to pay up to 6 days in advance, on the day you drive in the zone, or within the following 6 days.
• Keep in mind that applications for exemptions can take up to 14 days to be approved. During this waiting period, you must pay the charge within 6 days of driving in the zone via GOV.UK.
• Detailed information about how to pay and manage your discount or exemption is available on the website.

Application and Evidence:

• When applying for an exemption, you'll need to upload evidence, including documents such as your V5C document (vehicle registration document).

Expired Exemptions:

• The following exemptions expired on 15 March 2023 and are no longer offered:
  • Wheelchair accessible taxis and private hire vehicles
  • Community transport
  • Blue Badge holders
  • Community health, education, or social care workers
  • Exemptions under the terms of the Financial Assistance scheme (declined finance)
• If you were previously exempt from charges under these categories, you are now required to pay the daily Clean Air Zone charge if you travel within Bath's Clean Air Zone.

It's crucial for individuals and businesses to be aware of the current exemptions and discounts available, as well as the application process and associated timelines. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure compliance with the Clean Air Zone regulations and help contribute to the reduction of air pollution in the area.

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