Newcastle & Gateshead Urges Drivers to Pay Clean Air Zone Charges on Time to Avoid Fines

As of March 27th, drivers of taxis, buses, coaches, and HGVs who do not pay the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charge within six days will be fined up to £120. The CAZ scheme, implemented by Newcastle and Gateshead councils, aims to improve air quality by encouraging owners of older and more polluting vehicles to upgrade to cleaner models. Vehicle owners who fail to pay the charge on time are granted an additional seven days under the current temporary enforcement arrangements, which will end on the 27th.

Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for a connected, clean city, Cllr Jane Byrne, said, “The responsibility rests with them [vehicle owners] to check whether they’re affected and make a payment if required.” People can check whether a vehicle is required to pay a CAZ charge using the online vehicle checker at www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones.

The charges can be paid up to six days before travel, on the day of travel, or within six days after a journey. Payment can be made online using the national Clean Air Zone website or by phone. Private cars, motorbikes, and low emission vehicles are not affected, but older, non-compliant vans will face charges from July.

Newcastle and Gateshead councils offer financial support towards the cost of upgrading vehicles for those who are eligible. Anyone who is in the process of applying for a grant will not be required to pay while their application is processed.

Drivers are urged to ensure they pay their CAZ charges on time to avoid the additional penalty charges. Details of how to pay the charge can be found at www.breathe-cleanair.com/how-to-pay, and full details about the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone, including a map showing the zone boundary, can be found at www.breathe-cleanair.com.