Charges
How much are the CAZ charges?
The daily charges for entering the CAZ are as follows:
For non-compliant taxis and private hire vehicles, the charge is £12.50 per day.
Alternatively, taxis/private hire vehicles licenced by Newcastle, Gateshead or North Tyneside Councils can apply for a 7 consecutive day licence to enter the CAZ at a cost of £50.
The charge for vans and light goods vehicle is £12.50 per day.
Non-compliant buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles are charged £50 per day.
Will I have to pay every time I enter the CAZ?
If your vehicle is not compliant, you will pay a daily charge that covers multiple entries to the CAZ during that day.
A 'day' is classified as midnight to midnight, not from the first time you enter the zone.
During that midnight-to-midnight timeframe, you can enter and leave the zone numerous times and only incur a single charge.
Please note that if you enter the CAZ and depart the following day (after midnight), that counts as two days and will incur two payments.
Will I be charged to drive my taxi into the CAZ if the journey is not for work?
If your vehicle is registered as a taxi or private hire vehicle it will incur a CAZ charge even if it is being used for non-commercial or domestic reasons.
However, in recognition of the fact that not all journeys will be for work purposes, we are offering a taxi discount permit which will cost £50, instead of the standard daily charge of £12.50. This will be available for drivers registered in Newcastle, Gateshead and North Tyneside and will cover travel within the zone over a consecutive seven-day period.
For further details go to www.breathe-cleanair.com/taxi-drivers
Why are CAZ charges different in other parts of the country?
Clean air zone charges are set locally and are based on assessment and analysis of conditions within the area.
Charges are set at a level that balances both the need to achieve compliance with air quality targets and the need to manage the impact on those required to pay.
The different charging levels and the reasons for them are explained in a business case which is checked and approved by government.
Will charges apply 24 hours a day?
Yes, CAZ charges apply 24 hours a day. Note that if you enter the CAZ before midnight on one day and then depart just after midnight the next morning, this journey will count as two separate days and you will need to pay the CAZ charge for each day.
How can I avoid being charged?
You will only be charged to enter the CAZ if your vehicle does not comply with national emissions standards.
If your vehicle is not compliant and you do not need to travel within the CAZ you may wish to consider changing your route to avoid having to pay the charge.
If you do need to drive within the CAZ you can avoid paying a charge by upgrading to a compliant vehicle.
You can check whether your vehicle, or one you are considering purchasing, is compliant using the government's online vehicle checker at www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones
Will I still have to pay if I didn’t realise that I had entered the CAZ?
Yes, you will have to pay the CAZ charge if you drive a non-compliant vehicle into the CAZ.
The CAZ is clearly signposted, with 43 signs at entry points around the boundary, 96 signs giving advanced information outside of the zone and a further 51 reminder signs inside the zone.
You can check whether your route takes you into the CAZ using our interactive map.
Details about the CAZ have been extensively publicised in local media, on social media and through local advertising.
Will I still have to pay if I am forced to enter the CAZ due to traffic diversions?
If the enforcement team has been notified of an unplanned or unexpected diversion and it can clearly be shown that you had no choice but to drive into the CAZ, then the charge will be waived.
In the case of planned works where there is a designated diversion route in place, the cameras will be set to waive all CAZ charges for vehicles providing they follow that specific route.
Will I still have to pay if my compliant vehicle breaks down and I have to use a non-compliant replacement?
Yes, if you drive a non-compliant vehicle into the CAZ, you will have to pay the CAZ charge. Check if the vehicle you are driving is compliant using the national online vehicle checker www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones.