Is there a congestion charge in Birmingham?

The Birmingham congestion charge is, much like the ULEZ or London Congestion Charge, designed to lessen traffic and emissions in the city centre. The zone targets high polluting vehicles and, outside of London, is one of the UK's most extensive emission zones, covering all vehicle types.

How do I know if I have to pay congestion charge in Birmingham?

Check your vehicle online to see if you'll need to pay to drive in the Clean Air Zone. You'll need to know your number plate. There are cameras inside the Clean Air Zone to spot vehicles that need to pay. You might be able to apply for a temporary exemption permit if you live or work in the Clean Air Zone.

What cars will be exempt from congestion charge in Birmingham?

Which cars avoid Congestion Charge in Birmingham? Cars that typically avoid the Congestion Charge in Birmingham include electric vehicles (EVs), registered disabled passenger vehicles, and vehicles meeting specific low emission standards (euro 6 for diesel and euro 4 for petrol).

How do I check if I need to pay congestion charge?

Using the congestion charge checker is as easy as entering your number plate. This will tell you whether or not you need to pay the charge. You can also enter a London postcode or address to see if it falls within the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ).

Do you have to pay to drive in Birmingham?

Birmingham's Clean Air Zone went live on 1 June 2021. Owners of vehicles that do not meet the emission standards and do not have an exemption will be subject to a daily charge from 14 June 2021. The charge is of £8 per day for cars, vans and taxis or £50 a day for coaches, buses and HGVs.

Clean Air Zone Birmingham & What You Should Know

How do I know if I have to pay Clean Air Zone Birmingham?

Use the vehicle checker to confirm whether or not your vehicle meets the emission criteria of the zone. If you believe your vehicle meets the eligibility criteria but is showing as subject to the daily fee, you should contact the central Clean Air Zone support service.

Can I take my car into Birmingham?

No vehicle is banned in the zone, but vehicles that do not meet the emission standards for the zone are subject to a daily fee.

How do I pay my Congestion Charge in Birmingham?

You can pay online using the Government's payment system, or you can call the Government's Clean Air Zone team on 0300 029 8888 for assistance. Please do not contact Birmingham City Council as we cannot process your payments.

Which cars are exempt from Congestion Charge?

This includes most combustion-engined cars on the road, including hybrids. Only zero-emission cars have been exempt from the Congestion Charge, such as electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. However, from December 2025, even drivers of zero-emission vehicles will be required to pay the congestion charge.

Where does the Congestion Charge start?

The Congestion Charge in London covers approximately the area from Kings Cross in the north to Vauxhall in the south, and Paddington in the west to Whitechapel in the east. All roads around the perimeter of the zone are monitored by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

How do I avoid the Congestion Charge in Birmingham?

Use Public Transport: Utilize buses, trams, and trains for city travel to bypass the charge. Car Pooling: Share rides with others to reduce individual charges. Off-Peak Travel: Plan your visits during non-chargeable hours (e.g., evenings or weekends).

Can you drive into Birmingham city Centre?

Birmingham congestion charge map

The zone itself extends to cover all roads within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road, though not the road itself. This covers popular areas such as Digbeth, the city centre, and the Jewellery Quarter. The zone is sign posted to show drivers that they are about to enter the zone.

What is the penalty for Congestion Charge in Birmingham?

If you have received a penalty charge notice you have up to 28 days to pay, which is measured from the 'date of service'. The standard penalty charge is £120 but this is reduced by 50% to £60 if paid within 14 days of the date of service.

How do I check if I entered the congestion charge zone?

Using the Congestion Charge Zone Postcode Checker

Our Postcode Checker tool, located on this page, is a convenient way to determine whether a specific London postcode falls within the CCZ. Simply enter the postcode of your destination, and the tool will instantly confirm if it lies within the chargeable zone.

Can I drive my diesel car in Birmingham?

Charges for driving in the Birmingham Clean Air Zone apply 7 days a week from midnight to midnight, all year round. The emissions standards to avoid the charge are Euro 6 or better for Diesel and LPG vehicles, Euro 4 or better for Petrol.

What cars can go into Birmingham Clean Air Zone?

Any diesel or diesel-electric hybrid car that meets Euro 6 rules, and any petrol car, or petrol-electric hybrid meeting Euro 4 regulations is exempt from zone fees. Electric cars are all totally exempt.

What happens if you forget to pay the Congestion Charge?

If you do not pay the PCN within 28 days of the date of service, the original penalty amount will increase by 50% and a charge certificate will be sent to the registered keeper of the vehicle. You have 14 days from the date of service in which to pay this.

What are the new rules for Congestion Charge?

Reducing the hours of operation from 07:00 to 22:00 each day, to between 07:00-18:00 Monday to Friday and between 12:00-18:00 at weekends and on Bank holidays. There would be no charge between Christmas and New Year. A discount of 90% for residents living in the Congestion Charge zone.

Are taxis exempt from Congestion Charge?

Taxis are exempt from paying the Congestion Charge when actively licensed with London Taxi and Private Hire (TPH).

What year cars are allowed in Birmingham Clean Air Zone?

Diesel cars that meet the standards are generally those registered with the DVLA after 1 September 2015. Petrol cars that meet the ULEZ standards are generally those registered with the DVLA after 1 January 2006. The diesel/petrol engine on hybrid vehicles must meet the relevant criteria above.

What happens if you forget to pay a Clean Air Zone Birmingham?

If you forget to pay the fee, you'll get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) in the post for a £120 fine. This is reduced to £60 if you pay it within 14 days. If your vehicle meets the emission standards, the app will automatically tell you that you're exempt and you don't have to pay the charge.

What is the easiest way to pay the Congestion Charge?

The easiest way to pay is by setting up Auto Pay. Exemptions and discounts are also available. If your vehicle does not meet the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) standards, you must also pay the ULEZ charge.

Where is the congestion zone in Birmingham?

Where is the Birmingham Clean Air Zone? Illustrated in the attached image the Birmingham congestion charge zone includes all roads in the A4540 ring road. This includes the city centre, Digbeth, Jewellery Quarter, and parts of Bordesley and Newtown.

How do I know if I need to pay Clean Air Zone?

You can check if you'll need to pay a charge for a vehicle before you drive in a clean air zone. If you're a business, you can check and pay for multiple vehicles. Use the online service to check or pay a charge in a clean air zone. The zones operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

How do I check if I need to pay ULEZ?

carwow's free ULEZ checker uses your vehicle's registration to tell you if your vehicle is compliant and whether you'll need to pay the £12.50 ULEZ charge. The ULEZ expanded in August 2023 and now covers most of London within the M25.