Birmingham Clean Air Zone Phase 2: Boundary and Charges Expand Today
Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) has officially entered its second phase as of May 21, 2026, extending enforcement to the city’s outer ring road. This expansion marks a significant shift for thousands of commuters and residents who previously operated outside the original city center boundary. Drivers of vehicles that do not meet specific emission standards are now required to pay a daily fee to enter the zone, with the goal of further improving urban air quality.
Expanded Boundary and Enforcement Areas
The Phase 2 expansion moves the CAZ boundary from the A4540 Middleway Ring Road out to the outer ring road. This change brings several residential outskirts and commercial hubs under the charging scheme for the first time. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are now active across all entry points of the new perimeter. Unlike some congestion charges, the Birmingham CAZ operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including bank holidays.
Vehicle Compliance and Daily Charges
The charging structure remains focused on older, higher-emission vehicles. Generally, petrol vehicles must meet Euro 4 standards (typically registered after 2006) and diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6 standards (typically registered after September 2015) to enter without charge.
| Vehicle Type | Compliance Standard | Daily Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol Cars & Vans | Euro 4 or newer | £0 |
| Diesel Cars & Vans | Euro 6 or newer | £0 |
| Non-compliant Cars | Pre-Euro 4 (Petrol) / Pre-Euro 6 (Diesel) | £8 |
| Non-compliant LGVs | Pre-Euro 4 (Petrol) / Pre-Euro 6 (Diesel) | £8 |
| HGVs & Coaches | Non-compliant | £50 |
Failure to pay the daily charge within the designated window results in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £120, which may be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Environmental Objectives and Local Business Grants
Birmingham City Council and the Department for Transport expect this expansion to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels by an additional 12% in the residential outskirts. This follows data from Phase 1, which saw a marked improvement in air quality within the city core.
For local enterprises, today also marks the final deadline for the transition grant program. These grants were designed to help small businesses and sole traders upgrade their fleets to compliant vehicles. Applications for this final round of funding close at 11:59 PM tonight.
Payment Procedures and Compliance Checks
To avoid fines, drivers should verify their vehicle’s compliance using the official government portal before traveling. The payment window is flexible, allowing drivers to pay six days in advance, on the day of travel, or up to six days after entering the zone.
Residents living within the new boundary may be eligible for temporary exemptions, though most initial grace periods for Phase 2 have now concluded. It is recommended that all frequent travelers to the outer ring road set up an automated account to manage payments and avoid accidental PCNs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly has changed with the Birmingham Clean Air Zone expansion today?
As of May 21, 2026, the Birmingham Clean Air Zone (CAZ) has expanded its boundary from the A4540 Middleway Ring Road out to the city’s outer ring road. This means the zone now covers significantly more residential suburbs and commercial districts. Unlike the previous city-center focus, this Phase 2 expansion operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, targeting older, higher-emission vehicles across a much larger geographic footprint.
How do I check if my car is compliant and what are the steps to pay?
To avoid a fine, follow these three steps:
1. Check Compliance: Enter your registration on the GOV.UK Drive in a Clean Air Zone portal. Generally, petrol cars must be Euro 4 (post-2006) and diesels Euro 6 (post-September 2015) to be exempt.
2. The Payment Window: You must pay the £8 or £50 charge within a 13-day window: 6 days before your visit, the day of your visit, or 6 days after.
3. Set Up Autopay: If you are a frequent commuter, register for a ‘Business Account’ on the official site to automate payments and avoid missing the deadline.
I live or work inside the new Phase 2 boundary; am I eligible for financial support?
Yes, Birmingham City Council has launched targeted support for those impacted by the expansion. Low-income workers commuting into the new zone and residents living within the perimeter may apply for temporary exemption permits (usually lasting 1-2 years). Additionally, local small businesses can apply for ‘Heavy Duty Vehicle’ grants to help upgrade non-compliant vans or HGVs to Euro 6 or electric standards. Applications are processed through the ‘Brum Breathes’ official website.
What happens if I miss the payment deadline and where can I see the new map?
If you fail to pay within the 6-day post-journey window, you will be issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £120. This is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. To see the exact street-level perimeter of the new outer ring road boundary and plan your route to avoid the zone, visit the beehiveweb.co.uk interactive CAZ map or the official Birmingham City Council transport portal.
Source: Birmingham City Council
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