Bath’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ)

Like many towns and cities up and down the country, Bath has implemented a Clean Air Zone (CAZ), but what exactly does this mean for you? Let Scrap Car Comparison guide you through everything you need to know to ensure that you stay on the right side of the rules when entering one of the ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’ and work out whether it’ll be more cost-effective for you to get rid of your old car and replace it with a shinier, greener new one.

Where is the CAZ in place?

Bath’s Clean Air Zone covers only the city centre, the majority running north of the railway line at the south of the City up to the Approach Golf Course near Victoria Park. You can view a map of the zone or check if a postcode is within the CAZ on the Bath & North East Somerset Council’s website.

What vehicles are covered in the CAZ?

Bath’s CAZ is a Class C system, which means that it does not apply to cars or motorbikes – unless they are taxis or private hire vehicles. Charges apply to the following vehicles, providing they do not meet the required emission standard:

• Taxis
• Private Hire Vehicles
• Vans (including pick-ups and some camper vans)
• Light Goods Vehicles
• Buses
• Coaches
• Heavy Goods Vehicles

GOV.UK offers a service where you can check if charges apply to your vehicle, although this service is only available for vehicles registered in the UK. Charges will still apply to vehicles registered outside of the UK.

For a breakdown of what each class of CAZ means, we’ve put together a handy guide, breaking down what qualifies for each type of scheme.

How much will I pay?

The amount you’ll pay to enter Bath’s CAZ is dependent on the type of vehicle you are driving. Smaller vehicles (taxis, minibuses, vans & light goods vehicles) are charged at £9 per day, whereas Heavy Goods Vehicles, coaches and buses must pay £100 a day. Private heavy goods vehicles (such as horse transporters or motorhomes) are charged at £100 a day, but can be reduced to £9 if they are registered with the council).

Can I get a grant to get a compliant vehicle?

Understandably, you’d be keen on getting rid of your polluting vehicle, especially if it’s charging you £100 a day to drive through the centre of Bath, and the council do have a scheme available to make purchasing a cleaner vehicle that little bit easier. 

To be eligible you must have at least one chargeable vehicle that enters the CAZ at least two times a week on average over a 60-day period. You must also have been living at or trading from your current address, and owned the vehicle you’re looking to replace, since April 2020. Additionally, the vehicle must be roadworthy, have a current and valid MOT certificate and not be nationally or permanently exempt from charges. The scheme is currently on hold as all funds have been allocated for the time being.

Scrap your car for the most cash

If you don’t have time to wait for Bath’s council to allocate more funds to their replacement scheme and are looking at an expensive few trips into the city centre on the horizon, then you can get an instant price for your old gas-guzzler.

Our network of local scrap agents operate throughout Bath, Somerset and the wider south west of England.

We have buyers in all four corners of the country, meaning we scour our unrivalled network of scrap and salvage specialists to ensure you are getting the very best price for your old vehicle. The entire process is completed in just a matter of days, allowing you to get about your business without the extra cost of the CAZ as soon as possible.