Motorists in Bristol could soon be paying significantly more to drive in the city centre as council officials propose a sharp increase to daily Clean Air Zone charges.
Proposed Charge Increases
Bristol City Council is considering raising the Clean Air Zone daily charge from the current £9 to £14 for non-compliant cars and light goods vehicles. The more substantial charge for heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches could also increase from £100 per day.
This potential hike comes just three years after the zone's implementation in 2022, which was designed to tackle dangerous levels of nitrogen dioxide in the city's air.
Why Charges Need to Increase
According to official council documents, the current charges "may no longer act as a strong deterrent" due to rising inflation, changes in travel behaviour, and smaller reductions in nitrogen dioxide levels in 2024 compared to 2023.
The council report reveals concerning projections: "Provisional data suggests that under a business as usual scenario, air quality compliance at Colston Avenue may not be achieved until 2029 and at Bond Street by 2028."
Since the CAZ launch, the council has observed that pollution reduction hasn't progressed as quickly as hoped, prompting consideration of stronger measures to protect public health.
Impact on Residents and Next Steps
The council acknowledges that affordability impacts are likely to be negative across socio-economic groups driving non-compliant vehicles within the zone.
Particular concern is raised for disabled residents who cannot work, as they "will be affected disproportionately by the increase in CAZ charge" since they wouldn't be eligible for financial support and are less likely to afford the higher fee.
The council has recommended holding a public consultation on increasing the fees, with one option being to adjust charges in line with inflation. Further analysis using behavioural change modelling is underway to inform the final decision.
