FineFlip Guide
Clean Air Zones UK 2026: Which Cities and How Much?
Clean Air Zones are expanding across the UK as cities tackle air pollution. Non-compliant vehicles must pay a daily charge or face PCN fines. With each city running its own scheme, the rules, charges, and exemptions vary. This guide provides a single reference for all UK CAZs in 2026.
Clean Air Zone fine?
Vehicle classification errors are the most common successful appeal ground.
Check my appeal freeActive Clean Air Zones (2026)
- Birmingham: GBP 8/day cars, GBP 50/day HGVs. Euro 4 petrol / Euro 6 diesel required.
- Bath: GBP 9/day for higher-polluting vehicles. Class C — HGVs, buses, taxis, LGVs only.
- Bradford: GBP 12.50/day HGVs, buses, taxis. Class C zone.
- Bristol: GBP 9/day non-compliant private cars in the small zone. Class D — all vehicles.
- Portsmouth: Class B — buses, coaches, taxis, HGVs. No charge for private cars.
- Sheffield: Class C — HGVs, buses, taxis, LGVs. Launched 2023.
CAZ classes explained
- Class A: Buses, coaches, taxis only
- Class B: Buses, coaches, taxis + HGVs
- Class C: Buses, coaches, taxis + HGVs + LGVs
- Class D: All vehicles including private cars
Appeal grounds
- Your vehicle meets the emission standards but was incorrectly classified
- You paid the charge but it was not processed
- You had an exemption that was not applied
- ANPR misidentified your vehicle
- You were using an exempt route through the zone
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Which cities have Clean Air Zones?
As of 2026, CAZs are active in Birmingham, Bath, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, and Sheffield. London operates the ULEZ separately but with a similar principle. More cities may introduce CAZs in the coming years.
How much is a Clean Air Zone charge?
Charges vary by city. Cars typically pay GBP 8-12.50 per day. HGVs pay GBP 50-100 per day. PCN fines for non-payment are typically GBP 120 (GBP 60 within 14 days) outside London.
Can I appeal a Clean Air Zone fine?
Yes. Common grounds include vehicle compliance errors, payment system failures, exemptions not applied, and ANPR misidentification. Each city has its own appeal process.