Bath Clean Air Zone to come into effect in March 2021

Bath’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is set to launch on Monday 15 March 2021, and will bethe first city in England to launch a charging CAZ outside London.

The Clean Air Zone was due to be switched on in November but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the date will be monitored to account for any significant developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

While private vehicles are not affected, the council is currently contacting more than 9,000 local businesses to help them establish whether charges will apply to their vehicles, and how to access the support on offer.

Drivers affected by charges are also advised to check the council’s website at www.bathnes.gov.uk/BathCAZ for a list of local exemptions and whether they might be eligible for financial support to upgrade their vehicle or fleet.

The financial support scheme aims to support people regularly affected by charges with grants and interest-free finance to help them upgrade to compliant vehicles. Local businesses and individuals, including those in neighbouring authorities that have premises and/or regularly drive in the zone, can apply.

For example, eligible van drivers could stand to receive up to £4,500 in grants, plus interest-free finance, to help them upgrade to a similar, compliant vehicle. Larger grants are available of up to £20,000 for HGVs and £35,000 for buses and coaches.

In light of COVID-19, the council has amended the scheme so that if eligible businesses fail their initial credit check, they can re-apply once their finances have improved. In addition, these drivers would be able to apply for exemptions on their non-compliant vehicles for up to two years.

There are also a wide range of exemptions available for hard-to-replace or special vehicles, and to support disadvantaged groups and vital services in the city.

Discounts are also available for drivers of larger, higher emission motorhomes and horse-transporters (private heavy goods vehicles) who can pay £9 instead of £100 provided they register with the council. Applications for all local exemptions and discounted vehicles will open in November.