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What a Clean Air Zone is, why we need one
What a Clean Air Zone is, why we need one
What it is and the purpose of Bristol's Clean Air Zone.
Why we need a Clean Air Zone
The Government set legal limits for pollution and we have to introduce a Clean Air Zone to ensure Bristol meets those limits within the shortest possible time. A major source of air pollution in cities is road traffic, particularly diesel engines.
Air pollution affects everyone in Bristol, especially:
- children
- older people
- people with heart, breathing and underlying health conditions
Find out more about the link between air pollution and health on Health matters: air pollution (GOV.UK) and on the Clean Air for Bristol website.
Local authorities across England are introducing Clean Air Zones to meet their legal requirements for clean air starting with:
What a Clean Air Zone is
A Clean Air Zone is a specific location that aims to reduce public exposure to nitrogen dioxide through:
- restrictions on the highest polluting vehicles
- encouraging the use of cleaner vehicles
- encouraging people to walk, cycle or use public transports
Find more about the four different types of zones (GOV.UK).
No vehicles are banned from entering a Clean Air Zone but older and more polluting vehicles have to pay a daily charge for travelling within the zone.
The charge does not apply to:
- Euro 4, 5 and 6 petrol vehicles, roughly to vehicles made from 2006 onwards
- Euro 6 diesel vehicles, roughly vehicles from 2015 onwards
As well as charging older, more polluting vehicles, a Clean Air Zone also includes:
- loans and grants to help people switch to a cleaner vehicle or less polluting forms of transport
- changes to traffic signal timings to improve traffic flows
- increased priority for buses, such as bus lanes and priority at traffic signals
Watch our short video on what the Zone is and why we need one:
Share information about the Clean Air Zone
We've created toolkits with more information about the Clean Air Zone and how you can prepare for its launch.
The toolkits have more about the support available and newsletter, email and social media content you can share. They also have details on charging and how to pay if you need to.
Site Map
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Streets and travel
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Temporary road closures and traffic restrictions
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Bus passes (Travelcard)
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Report a street issue
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Make a comment on Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs)
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Bristol's Clean Air Zone
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Bristol's Clean Air Zone charges and vehicle checker
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View a map of Bristol's Clean Air Zone
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Clean Air Zone's exemptions
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Clean Air Zone financial support
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What a Clean Air Zone is, why we need one
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Tell us about a road safety concern
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Bristol Harbour
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Dropped kerbs
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Cycling
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Map of Bristol city centre
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Public Rights of Way Service
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Taxis
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MOT testing
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Fleet Services
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Public toilets
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Transport plans and projects
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Road maintenance
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Community and disabled persons transport
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Bristol and Bath Railway Path closures and diversions
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Charge an electric vehicle at home
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Free electric vehicle trial for local organisations