Birmingham motorists face higher costs starting today, May 11, 2026, as the City Council’s revised Clean Air Zone (CAZ) pricing takes effect. Non-compliant private cars and taxis now face a £10 daily entry fee, a 25% increase from the previous £8 rate. For larger vehicles, including heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and buses, the daily charge has risen from £50 to £60.
The price adjustment is part of a broader strategy to meet air quality standards mandated by the Department for Transport. These charges apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including bank holidays, based on a midnight-to-midnight cycle.
| Vehicle Category | Daily Charge (Effective May 11, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Private Cars / Taxis / LGVs | £10 |
| HGVs / Coaches / Buses | £60 |
| Compliant Vehicles (Euro 4/6) | £0 |
Defining the A4540 Middleway Ring Road Boundaries
The Clean Air Zone remains concentrated within the city center, specifically encompassing all roads within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road. It is critical for drivers to note that the A4540 Middleway itself is not part of the charging zone.
Motorists can drive on the ring road without incurring a fee, but any turn into the city center from this boundary will trigger a charge if the vehicle does not meet emissions standards. Signs featuring a green cloud with the letter ‘D’ clearly mark the entry points to the zone. Payment must be made via the government’s online portal within six days before or six days after the day of travel.
New Hardship Exemptions and Grace Periods
To mitigate the impact of the price hike on vulnerable residents, Birmingham City Council has introduced new ‘hardship’ exemptions. These are specifically targeted at low-income workers whose place of employment is located within the CAZ boundaries.
To qualify for a hardship exemption, applicants must demonstrate:
* An annual income below the current threshold (verified via P60 or benefits statements).
* Employment within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road for at least 16 hours per week.
* Ownership of a vehicle that does not meet Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) standards.
Additionally, a new grace period has been implemented for residents who have already applied for Electric Vehicle (EV) grants. If you have a pending application for a vehicle scrappage or upgrade grant, you may be eligible for a temporary exemption of up to six months while awaiting your new vehicle delivery. Residents must provide proof of a valid order or grant application to avoid the daily £10 fee during this transition period.
Failure to pay the daily charge within the 13-day window results in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £120, which is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the Birmingham Clean Air Zone charge increased to £10 in 2026?
Starting May 11, 2026, the daily fee for non-compliant private cars, taxis, and LGVs rose from £8 to £10 to accelerate compliance with national air quality standards. This 25% increase specifically targets vehicles that do not meet Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) emissions ratings. The revenue generated is legally required to be reinvested into local transport projects and carbon-reduction initiatives.
How do I apply for the new 2026 hardship exemption if I work in the city center?
To secure a hardship exemption, you must submit an application through the Birmingham City Council website with two specific documents: a recent P60 (or benefit statement) proving your income falls below the current threshold, and an employment contract confirming your workplace is within the A4540 Middleway. Once approved, this exemption allows low-income commuters to enter the zone without paying the £10 daily fee for a set grace period.
Can I drive on the A4540 Middleway Ring Road without paying the new £10 or £60 fee?
Yes. The A4540 Middleway Ring Road itself is not part of the charging zone. You can circle the city center using the ring road entirely for free. However, the moment you turn off the Middleway and head toward the city center—marked by the ‘Green Cloud D’ signs—your vehicle’s registration will be captured by ANR cameras, and you will be liable for the daily charge if your car is non-compliant.
What is the deadline for paying the Birmingham CAZ charge to avoid a fine?
You must settle your payment within a 13-day window: this includes the six days prior to travel, the day of travel itself, and up to six days after you enter the zone. Payments are made via the official GOV.UK Clean Air Zone portal. Failure to pay by midnight on the sixth day following your journey will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), which is significantly higher than the standard daily rate.
Source: birmingham.gov.uk
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