Bristol: Clean Air Zone (Class D)
Bristol is the other UK Clean Air Zone that charges private cars, at £9 a day. The diesel cut-off catches people out: a diesel roughly older than late 2015 is chargeable, which is a good deal more recent than most drivers assume.
Clean Air Zone · LAST VERIFIED 2026-09-12When it's active
Operates continuously through the year, with a daily charge rather than a per-entry one. The zone has been running since 28 November 2022.
Which vehicles are affected
Non-compliant vehicles are charged rather than banned. Exempt standards are Euro 4, 5 and 6 petrol — roughly 2006 or newer — and Euro 6 diesel, roughly end of 2015 or newer. Fully electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are also exempt.
Registering a foreign or rental vehicle
Nothing to register in advance. Check the vehicle on the government's Clean Air Zone vehicle checker and pay online if it is chargeable. Payment is possible up to 6 days before travel, and must be made by 23:59 on the sixth day after driving in.
Fees & fines
£9 a day for private petrol cars, private diesel cars and light goods vehicles under 3.5 t; £100 a day for HGVs over 3.5 t and for buses and coaches. Figures are indicative and can change — confirm on the official page.
How it's enforced
Camera-enforced with automatic plate recognition.
Exemptions
Vehicles meeting the emissions standards, along with fully electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, are not charged.
Where the zone is
Covers a central area of the city. The council publishes a map and a postcode checker for the exact boundary.