Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) has officially entered Phase 2 today, May 21, 2026, expanding the enforcement boundary to include the city’s outer ring road. Drivers of older, higher-emission vehicles now face a daily charge of £8 to enter the expanded zone, as local authorities move to further reduce nitrogen dioxide levels across residential outskirts.
The expansion specifically targets petrol vehicles that do not meet Euro 4 standards (generally those registered before 2006) and diesel vehicles that do not meet Euro 6 standards (generally those registered before 2015). Residents and commuters entering the new boundary are advised to check their vehicle’s compliance via the official government portal to avoid automatic fines.
Vehicle Compliance and Daily Charges
The fee structure remains consistent with the previous central zone, but the geographic reach now encompasses major arterial routes and residential neighborhoods previously exempt. The charge applies 24 hours a day, midnight to midnight, every day of the year.
| Vehicle Type | Compliance Standard | Daily Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol Cars/Vans | Euro 4 or newer | £0 (Exempt) |
| Diesel Cars/Vans | Euro 6 or newer | £0 (Exempt) |
| Non-Compliant Cars | Pre-Euro 4/6 | £8 |
| HGVs / Coaches | Pre-Euro VI | £50 |
Environmental Goals and Residential Impact
Birmingham City Council expects the Phase 2 expansion to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels by an additional 12% in the residential areas surrounding the city center. This move follows data from the initial CAZ implementation, which saw a significant improvement in air quality within the A4540 Middleway. The new boundary is designed to prevent “rat-running” through suburban streets where air quality has remained a concern for local health officials.
Business Grant Deadline and Compliance Support
Today marks the final deadline for local businesses to apply for the transition grant scheme. These grants were established to help fleet operators upgrade to compliant electric or low-emission vehicles. Applications submitted after midnight tonight will not be processed, as the funding pot is now fully allocated to the Phase 2 rollout.
Drivers who enter the zone in a non-compliant vehicle have a 13-day window to pay the charge: six days before the day of travel, the day of travel itself, or six days after. Failure to pay within this timeframe results in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly has changed with the Birmingham Clean Air Zone expansion as of May 2026?
As of May 21, 2026, the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) has moved beyond the central A4540 Middleway to encompass the Birmingham Outer Ring Road. This Phase 2 expansion is specifically designed to stop ‘rat-running’—where drivers use residential side streets to avoid the city center. If you drive a petrol car registered before 2006 or a diesel car registered before September 2015, you are now subject to the £8 daily charge when entering these outer residential and arterial routes.
How do I check if my car is exempt and what are the steps to pay the charge?
To avoid fines, follow these three steps:
1. Verify Compliance: Enter your registration number into the official GOV.UK vehicle checker.
2. Identify the Zone: Look for the ‘Phase 2’ signage on approach to the Outer Ring Road.
3. Pay the Fee: Payments must be made via the Drive in a Clean Air Zone portal. You have a 13-day window to pay: 6 days before your journey, the day of travel, or 6 days after. Failure to pay results in a £120 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
I live inside the new boundary; do I have to pay the £8 fee every time I leave my driveway?
You only pay the charge if you move your vehicle within the zone. If your non-compliant car stays parked for the day, no fee is due. However, any movement on public roads within the Outer Ring Road boundary triggers the daily £8 cost. While some temporary resident exemptions were available during Phase 1, you should immediately check the Birmingham City Council ‘Brum Breathes’ portal to see if your specific permit covers the new Phase 2 residential expansion.
What financial support is available for those affected by the Phase 2 expansion?
Immediate action is required for business owners: Today, May 21, 2026, is the final deadline to apply for transition grants to upgrade commercial fleets. For individual commuters, the city council offers a ‘Heavy User’ exemption for those on low incomes who work at least 18 hours a week within the zone. If you are looking to scrap a non-compliant vehicle, check the council’s website for any remaining ‘Scrappage and Mobility’ credits that can be used for public transport or towards a compliant Euro 6 vehicle.
Source: Birmingham City Council
Source check Official Council Update
Data sourced directly from Birmingham City Council and the Department for Transport regarding the 2026 CAZ expansion.
- Confirmed Phase 2 start date of May 21, 2026
- Verified £8 daily charge for non-compliant private vehicles
- Validated Euro 4/6 compliance standards
- Source
- Birmingham City Council
- Scope
- Birmingham
- Updated
- 2026-05-21 09:58
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