Residents, low-income workers and businesses in the Birmingham Clean Air Zone (CAZ) area can now apply for temporary exemption permits ahead of the CAZ launch this summer.

Birmingham’s ‘Class D’ clean air charging zone will go live this summer

Originally due to go live in January, Birmingham’s ‘Class D’ zone covers all vehicle types to tackle illegal levels of air pollution within some parts of the city.

The exemption permits, which are available for a period of one to two years, are all subject to applicants meeting eligibility criteria.

Commercial vehicles registered within the Clean Air Zone (maximum of two vehicles) can apply for a year of exemption as well as commercial vehicles with existing finance agreement beyond commencement of the CAZ and registered within the zone.

Councillor Waseem Zaffar MBE, Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “The Clean Air Zone is a huge step towards a cleaner and safer future for Birmingham residents.

“Air pollution in the UK is now at dangerous levels and contributes to health impacts on people suffering long term respiratory conditions. As I have stated before, doing nothing is not an option.

“We are conscious of the impact the zone could have on key groups of people so the range of exemptions and financial support will help individuals, businesses and other organisations to make the change to a clean air Birmingham.”

Further information on the zone, charges, as well as full details of the exemption permits and how to apply for them, can be found here.