Starting May 11, 2026, Birmingham City Council has implemented a revised fee structure for the Clean Air Zone (CAZ), marking the first significant price adjustment since the zone’s inception. Non-compliant private cars and taxis now face a £10 daily charge, a 25% increase from the previous £8 rate. For larger vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), buses, and coaches, the daily entry fee is set at £60.
These changes are designed to further accelerate the transition toward low-emission transport within the city center. While the charges have increased, the council has introduced a series of targeted exemptions to mitigate the financial impact on residents and essential workers.
2026 Birmingham CAZ Fee Structure
The following table outlines the daily charges for vehicles that do not meet the required emission standards (generally Euro 4 for petrol and Euro 6 for diesel).
| Vehicle Category | Daily Charge (Effective May 11, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Private Cars / Taxis / LGVs | £10 |
| Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) | £60 |
| Coaches and Buses | £60 |
| Motorcycles and Mopeds | £0 (Exempt) |
Defining the CAZ Boundary: The A4540 Middleway
The Clean Air Zone remains restricted to the area inside the A4540 Middleway Ring Road. Drivers should note that while the Middleway itself is not within the charging zone, any road leading inside the ring road is monitored by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Key entry points include routes off the A38(M) and major junctions connecting the Jewellery Quarter, Digbeth, and the Chinese Quarter to the city core.
Signs featuring a green cloud symbol and the letter ‘D’ clearly mark the entry points. If a non-compliant vehicle enters this perimeter, the daily charge must be paid within the six-day window (six days before the day of travel, on the day of travel, or six days after).
New Hardship Exemptions and Resident Support
To support individuals most affected by the price hike, Birmingham City Council has introduced ‘hardship’ exemptions. These are specifically targeted at low-income workers whose place of employment is located within the A4540 boundary. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a household income below the city’s median threshold and provide proof of employment within the zone.
Additionally, a new grace period has been established for residents who have already applied for Electric Vehicle (EV) transition grants. If a resident can prove they have a compliant vehicle on order but are awaiting delivery, they may be granted a temporary exemption from the £10 daily charge for up to six months. It is important to note that these exemptions are not automatic; drivers must apply via the official Birmingham City Council CAZ portal to avoid receiving a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the Birmingham Clean Air Zone charge increased in 2026?
As of May 11, 2026, the daily fee for non-compliant private cars and taxis rose to £10, while HGVs and coaches increased to £60. This 25% price adjustment is designed to meet stricter nitrogen dioxide (NO2) reduction targets. The charge only applies to vehicles that do not meet Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) standards; motorcycles remains free of charge regardless of their emission levels.
How do I pay the Birmingham CAZ charge and what is the deadline?
You must pay the daily charge via the official GOV.UK Clean Air Zone service. Payments must be made within the 13-day window: this includes the six days prior to your visit, the day of travel, and up to six days after. If you fail to pay by 11:59 PM on the sixth day following your entry into the zone, you will be issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £120, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Do I have to pay if I am only driving on the A4540 Middleway ring road?
No. The A4540 Middleway acts as the boundary for the Clean Air Zone, but the ring road itself is not a charging zone. You can drive along the Middleway without paying, provided you do not turn onto any road leading inside the ring road toward the city center. Once you cross the boundary (marked by green ‘D’ cloud signs), ANPR cameras will log your plate and trigger the requirement for payment if your vehicle is non-compliant.
What exemptions are available for Birmingham residents and low-income workers in 2026?
Birmingham City Council has updated its hardship schemes alongside the 2026 price hike. Residents living within the CAZ with a non-compliant vehicle can apply for a temporary exemption permit to avoid the daily charge. Furthermore, workers earning less than £30,000 per year who commute into the zone may qualify for a ‘Worker’s Exemption.’ You should also check the ‘Brum Breathes’ portal for specific vouchers if you are visiting Birmingham Children’s Hospital or other essential health services located inside the A4540.
Where can I find help to upgrade my vehicle to a CAZ-compliant model?
To avoid future charges, you can use the Birmingham Scrappage and Mobility Scheme. This program provides financial grants to eligible residents who scrap a non-compliant vehicle, which can be used toward the purchase of a compliant car or for public transport credits (Swift cards). For the latest eligibility criteria and to check your vehicle’s compliance status, visit BrumBreathes.co.uk.
Source: Content Brain
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