Portsmouth Clean Air Zone: Everything You Need to Know

Portsmouth's Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is an initiative launched on 29 November 2021 to combat air pollution in the city.

The aim is to improve air quality by charging certain vehicles that don't meet specific emissions standards.

If you're planning to drive in the city, here's what you need to know about the CAZ, including what vehicles are affected, where it's located, and the costs involved.

What is a Clean Air Zone?

A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is a designated area in a city where certain vehicles are charged to reduce air pollution.

The primary objective is to decrease the number of high-emission vehicles entering the zone.

By doing so, the city hopes to lower harmful pollutants, ultimately leading to cleaner air and better public health outcomes?.

How Does Portsmouth's CAZ Work?

Portsmouth's CAZ primarily targets high-emission vehicles.

It doesn't affect private cars or smaller vans, so if you're driving one of those, you won't have to worry about charges.

However, if you drive a taxi, private hire vehicle, heavy goods vehicle (HGV), bus, or coach, and your vehicle doesn't meet Euro 6 standards for diesel or Euro 4 for petrol, you will face a charge when entering the CAZ?.

The zone is located in the southwestern part of Portsmouth, covering the area from the end of the M275 and extending south to Winston Churchill Avenue.

The eastern boundary runs parallel to Kingston Road and Fratton Road and includes Gunwharf Quays??.

Find out more at Cleaner Air Portsmouth

What Does it Cost to Enter the CAZ?

If your vehicle isn't compliant, you'll be charged a daily fee when you enter the Portsmouth CAZ.

The charges are £10 for non-compliant taxis and private hire vehicles, and £50 for non-compliant HGVs, buses, and coaches?.

It's worth noting that you can pay the charge up to six days in advance and up to six days after entering the zone. There are various payment options available, including online through the government website.

You won't receive a reminder to pay the charge, so it's essential to check your vehicle's compliance beforehand.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

If you don't pay the CAZ charge on time, you'll receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). The penalty is £120, but if you pay within 14 days, it'll be reduced to £60.

The penalty is in addition to the daily CAZ charge?.

Portsmouth CAZ Exemptions

Some vehicles are exempt from CAZ charges. Emergency vehicles, specialist heavy vehicles like recovery vehicles, and certain community transport services are among those that are exempt.

Additionally, wheelchair-accessible taxis and private hire vehicles are exempt for the first six months to give drivers time to upgrade or retrofit their vehicles with council funding.

Arguments Against CAZ

While Clean Air Zones (CAZ) offer significant benefits for public health and the environment, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

Financial Impact on Businesses - one of the primary concerns with the CAZ is the financial burden it places on businesses, especially those that rely on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), buses, or taxis. Non-compliant vehicles face daily charges, which can add up and impact small businesses or operators who can't afford to upgrade their vehicles?.

Limited Exemptions - while some exemptions are available, they are limited. Many vehicles are not exempt, and the costs associated with retrofitting or upgrading to compliant vehicles can be high?. This could disproportionately affect businesses and individuals who cannot afford the transition to cleaner vehicles.

Potential for Increased Traffic - some critics argue that the CAZ could lead to increased traffic congestion in areas outside the zone. As drivers try to avoid the CAZ, they may take longer routes, resulting in more traffic and potentially increasing emissions elsewhere?.

Arguments For CAZ

The Portsmouth Clean Air Zone (CAZ) aims to tackle air pollution by charging high-emission vehicles entering specific areas in the city.

Health Benefits - the CAZ helps reduce harmful emissions, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is linked to various respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Cleaner air can lead to fewer premature deaths and a lower incidence of diseases like lung cancer?.

Environmental Impact - by discouraging high-emission vehicles, the CAZ contributes to a cleaner environment. This effort supports the UK's broader goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon future

Economic Benefits - reducing air pollution can save cities millions in healthcare costs and boost local economies by reducing absenteeism due to illness. An analysis by CBI Economics found that Clean Air Zones could deliver an 18% reduction in NO2 and prevent at least 1% of deaths in cities where they're introduced.

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone FAQs

How long will Portsmouth's CAZ be in place?

The CAZ will remain in place until the city's air quality reaches acceptable levels. This decision rests with the central government, which requires at least two years of data before reviewing the CAZ's effectiveness?.

How do I know if my vehicle is compliant?

You can use the online checker on the government website to find out if your vehicle will be charged when entering the Portsmouth CAZ??.

What can I do if I can't afford the charge?

Portsmouth City Council has initiatives to help those most affected by CAZ charges. If you operate a non-compliant vehicle, you may be eligible for funding to help upgrade or retrofit it. Additionally, electric vehicle charging points and improved cycle and walking routes are available to encourage sustainable travel.

For more information about Portsmouth's Clean Air Zone, including maps, how to pay charges, and possible exemptions, visit the official Cleaner Air Portsmouth website?.