Driving through historic Bath is a treat, but it’s important to be aware of the city’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ). This initiative aims to improve air quality in Bath, and if your vehicle doesn’t meet certain emission standards, you might need to pay a daily charge. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Bath’s Clean Air Zone, ensuring you’re prepared and informed before you travel. Whether you’re considering the cost in pounds or converting it to euros for your travel budget, understanding these charges is essential for a smooth trip.
Who Pays the Charge in Bath’s Clean Air Zone?
Bath’s Clean Air Zone is a Class C zone. This means that the daily charges are primarily aimed at commercial vehicles and those that contribute more significantly to air pollution. Unless you are driving a taxi or private hire vehicle, you likely won’t be charged if you’re driving a car or motorbike.
The charges specifically apply to:
- Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles: This category includes all taxis and private hire vehicles that do not meet the required emission standards, including cars used for these purposes.
- Vans and Light Goods Vehicles: This includes a wide range of vans, including pick-ups and some camper vans, that don’t meet the emission standards.
- Buses and Coaches: Larger passenger vehicles like buses and coaches are also subject to charges if they are non-compliant.
- Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs): Large trucks and lorries are included in the charging scheme for non-compliant vehicles.
The charge is based on the emission standard of your vehicle, not just the type. This means newer, cleaner vehicles are less likely to be charged. It’s crucial to check your vehicle’s compliance before traveling into the zone.
Check Your Vehicle’s Compliance Online
The easiest way to determine if your vehicle will be charged in Bath’s Clean Air Zone is to use the official GOV.UK online service. This free tool allows you to enter your vehicle registration number and quickly check its compliance status.
Important Notes about the Vehicle Checker:
- UK Registered Vehicles: The GOV.UK service primarily checks vehicles registered in the UK.
- Non-UK Vehicles: Charges do apply to non-compliant vehicles traveling in the zone, even if registered outside the UK (except for private cars and motorbikes). If you are driving a vehicle registered outside the UK that falls into a chargeable category (taxi, van, bus, HGV), you are still responsible for checking its compliance and paying any necessary charges.
- Data Accuracy: While the GOV.UK service is constantly improving, it’s always a good idea to double-check against the required emission standards, especially if you believe the result is incorrect. If you have any doubts or think there’s an error, contact the GOV.UK support team.
Understanding Emission Standards for Bath CAZ
To avoid charges in Bath’s Clean Air Zone, your vehicle needs to meet the following minimum emission standards:
Vehicles That Are Compliant (No Charge)
These vehicles can drive within the Bath Clean Air Zone without incurring any charges:
- Euro 6/VI Diesel Vehicles (or newer): The latest diesel emission standard, Euro 6, ensures significantly reduced emissions.
- Euro 4/IV Petrol Vehicles (or newer): Petrol vehicles meeting Euro 4 standards or newer are also compliant.
- Fully Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: Zero-emission vehicles are fully exempt from charges, contributing to cleaner air.
- All Hybrid Vehicles: Hybrid vehicles, regardless of their specific Euro standard, are also exempt from CAZ charges in Bath.
- Retrofit Vehicles (CVRAS): Vehicles that have been modified and registered under the Energy Saving Trust’s Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS) are also compliant.
Vehicles That Are Non-Compliant (Charges Apply)
If your vehicle falls into these categories and is not a private car or motorbike (unless used as taxi/private hire), you will be charged:
- Pre-Euro 6/VI Diesel Vehicles (Euro 1 to 5/V or earlier): Older diesel vehicles are more polluting and are subject to charges.
- Pre-Euro 4/IV Petrol Vehicles (Euro 1 to 3 or earlier): Older petrol vehicles also fall into the non-compliant category.
It’s important to remember that these standards apply to all vehicles within the chargeable categories, including those registered outside the UK.
Paying for Your Journey in the Clean Air Zone
Remember, if you drive a car or motorbike that is not a taxi or private hire vehicle, you do not need to pay. However, if your vehicle is chargeable, here’s how payment works:
- Daily Charges: Charges operate 24 hours a day, from midnight to midnight, 7 days a week, throughout the year. Each day you drive within the zone requires a separate charge.
- Payment Window: You can pay for the charge:
- Up to 6 days in advance.
- On the day you drive in the zone.
- For up to 6 days after driving in the zone.
- Multiple Entries: The daily charge covers multiple entries and exits within the zone on the same day.
- Charges Across Two Days: If your journey spans across two days (e.g., before and after midnight), you will need to pay two daily charges.
- Parking Only: If you park within the zone but do not drive, you are not charged.
Warning: It’s crucial to pay the charge within 7 days of driving in the zone (including the day of travel). Failure to pay within this timeframe will result in a penalty charge notice (PCN). No reminders are sent, and Auto Pay is not available for the Bath Clean Air Zone.
Payment Methods:
Payments are made online via credit or debit card through the GOV.UK Drive in a Clean Air Zone Service on a pay-as-you-go basis.
For businesses managing multiple vehicles, GOV.UK allows you to set up a business user account. This enables you to check multiple vehicles, manage account users, and arrange payment via bank account. You still need to declare your journeys online within the 6-day payment window.
Need Help? For assistance with the GOV.UK service, the Clean Air Zone Support Service is available. You can contact them via their online contact form or call them at 0300 029 8888 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4.30pm).
Discounted and Exempt Journeys
For vehicles registered for specific exemptions or discounts, the payment and logging process is handled through the council’s MiPermit service.
- MiPermit Service: Use MiPermit to pay for discounted journeys or log exempt journeys.
- Payment/Logging Window: Similar to standard charges, you can pay or log journeys up to 6 days in advance, on the day of travel, or within 6 days after. The 7-day payment/logging deadline also applies to avoid penalties.
MiPermit Smartphone App: For convenient management of exemptions and discounts, download the MiPermit app for Android or iOS. The app allows you to create an account, register your vehicle, and manage your exemptions and discounted travel directly from your smartphone.
By understanding the rules and charges of Bath’s Clean Air Zone, you can ensure a smooth and compliant journey while contributing to cleaner air in this beautiful city. Remember to check your vehicle, pay any necessary charges promptly, and enjoy your visit to Bath!
