Bristol Clean Air Zone charge
Bristol's is a Class D zone, so older cars pay too. You won't be told you've driven in (look for the green cloud signs with a D), so it's up to you to check and pay. Here's how.
When do I have to pay by?
Pay on the official Bristol Clean Air Zone site
We don't take payments. That link goes to GOV.UK's own page.
The charge
| Vehicle | Daily charge |
|---|---|
| Private petrol or diesel cars | £9 |
| Taxis | £9 |
| Vans and light goods vehicles under 3.5 tonnes | £9 |
| HGVs, buses and coaches | £100 |
| Motorbikes | Free |
As a guide, Bristol says Euro 4, 5 and 6 petrol vehicles (about 2006 or newer) and Euro 6 diesels (about the end of 2015 or newer) don't pay, nor do electric and hydrogen vehicles. Check your number plate on GOV.UK. The zone started on 28 November 2022.
When it applies: 24 hours a day, midnight to midnight, every day of the year. You're only charged if the vehicle moves in the zone, and only once per day.
How to pay Pay by 11.59pm on the sixth day after you drive in the zone
- Online with the government's Clean Air Zone service on GOV.UK
- By phone: national Clean Air Zone support, 0300 029 8888
- Bristol doesn't refund a charge paid in advance if you then don't drive in, so only pay ahead if you're sure
Can you pay in advance? Yes, up to 6 days before you travel.
Forgot to pay?
| Stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Penalty Charge Notice | £120 + the charge |
| Paid within 14 days | £60 + the charge |
| Charge certificate | the PCN goes up by 50% |
You have 28 days to pay or appeal. Pay online with the PCN number (it begins BS5 or BS6), on the 24-hour automated line 0117 903 6402, or by cheque. If it stays unpaid it can be registered at the Traffic Enforcement Centre (adding £9) and passed to bailiffs.
Notices go to the registered keeper of the vehicle, so if you borrowed or hired a car, the letter goes to the owner or hire company first.
Who doesn't pay, and discounts
- Vehicles that meet the standards, and motorbikes: no charge
- Vehicles with a disabled tax class: exempt (national exemption)
- Some patients and visitors to the Bristol Royal Infirmary complex: local exemption
Bristol's temporary Blue Badge exemptions ended on 31 March 2023, so a Blue Badge alone no longer exempts you. Bristol also offers financial support to replace a vehicle that doesn't meet the standards. Clean Air Zone enquiries: 0117 903 6385.
Questions
How much is the Bristol Clean Air Zone charge?
£9 a day for cars that don't meet the standards. As a guide, Bristol says Euro 4, 5 and 6 petrol vehicles (about 2006 or newer) and Euro 6 diesels (about the end of 2015 or newer) don't pay, nor do electric and hydrogen vehicles. Check your number plate on GOV.UK. The zone started on 28 November 2022.
How do I pay the Bristol Clean Air Zone charge?
Online with the government's Clean Air Zone service on GOV.UK; By phone: national Clean Air Zone support, 0300 029 8888. You must pay by 11.59pm on the sixth day after you drive in the zone.
What is the deadline to pay the Bristol Clean Air Zone charge?
By 11.59pm on the sixth day after you drive in the zone. Yes, up to 6 days before you travel.
What happens if I don't pay the Bristol Clean Air Zone charge?
Penalty Charge Notice: £120 + the charge; Paid within 14 days: £60 + the charge; Charge certificate: the PCN goes up by 50%. You have 28 days to pay or appeal. Pay online with the PCN number (it begins BS5 or BS6), on the 24-hour automated line 0117 903 6402, or by cheque. If it stays unpaid it can be registered at the Traffic Enforcement Centre (adding £9) and passed to bailiffs.
Who doesn't have to pay the Bristol Clean Air Zone charge?
Vehicles that meet the standards, and motorbikes: no charge; Vehicles with a disabled tax class: exempt (national exemption); Some patients and visitors to the Bristol Royal Infirmary complex: local exemption.
Is there a discount on the Bristol Clean Air Zone charge?
Bristol's temporary Blue Badge exemptions ended on 31 March 2023, so a Blue Badge alone no longer exempts you. Bristol also offers financial support to replace a vehicle that doesn't meet the standards. Clean Air Zone enquiries: 0117 903 6385.
Sources
- Bristol City Council: Pay the Bristol Clean Air Zone daily charge
- Bristol City Council: Charges and vehicle checker
- Bristol City Council: Pay a Clean Air Zone Penalty Charge Notice
- Bristol City Council: Clean Air Zone and Blue Badge holders
- GOV.UK: Clean Air Zones
Run by Bristol City Council. Checked on the operator's own website on 16 October 2026. Charges change, so check the official site before you travel. Spotted a change? Email hello@airportdropoff.co.uk.
Going to the airport?
Drop-off and pick-up charges at airports in the area, from each airport's own website.