Motorists could face higher charges to enter Bristol’s Clean Air Zone under new city council plans aimed at balancing its budget. But the move won’t save the authority a single penny. While some Bristol Live readers support the scheme, others are unhappy with the thought of extra charges.
The current £9 daily fee hasn’t been increased since the scheme’s 2022 launch, and council officers are now seeking government approval to raise it in line with inflation. Yet, budget papers set for review by councillors on Wednesday, January 15, reveal that while the proposed increase could generate an extra £200,000 annually in 2026/27 and 2027/28, the entire £400,000 would be lost again the following year, resulting in a net gain of zero pounds. This is due to the local authority’s assumption that income would decrease as more vehicles become CAZ compliant and no longer incur the charge.
Under the new committee system, the budgeting process has changed for the first time since the mayoral model was abolished in 2024. Previously, the budget was approved at cabinet before being voted on at full council.
Commenter MDRose says: “Whatever BCC can do to decrease our reliance on the private car and put more emphasis on public transport, walking, cycling, e-vehicles can only be a good thing. If a byproduct of the increased costs to motorists increases the council’s coffers, much better for Bristol’s electorate and service users.
“The effects of climate change are increasing at an astonishing rate and society has to come together to slow the rate down as fast as we can. Saving the future of our planet won’t be free, either in terms of finances or in our day to day living. Before making claims that just aren’t true, why don’t we use that energy to make a real difference to our world, that is where it starts, with US, you and I.“
BS8GR8 agrees: “The improvement in air quality in Bristol is already evident. As someone who is an asthmatic I have been able to virtually stop using my inhalers as a result. I fully support this initiative.”
SaneRebel thinks: “As the air becomes cleaner (a long way to go yet) the clean air charge needs to change to a congestion charge. Clean cars cause the same congestion and collision injuries as unclean ones, deter walking and cycling, and make bus journeys slow and unreliable. The CAZ should just be a stepping stone to the more permanent changes we need for a safe, pleasant and efficient city.”
Bearfruit suggested: “I’d support making the CAZ bigger, which would mean more people benefit from cleaner air, and raise more money at the same time. Just increasing the charge proves to those against the scheme that it’s more about money than clean air.”
Chiefchupachup points out: “The CAZ is purely a money-making scheme, if the council truly wanted a clean air zone they would totally ban polluting vehicles from entering the zone. As it is you can pollute as much as you want for a small fee.”
Berklicker is unhappy: “They introduced the RPZ scheme to deter commuters parking in the suburbs and bussing to the centre which has only encouraged driving to the centre. They then persecuted every car owner, none of that money has paid for increased patrols to catch illegal parking. It has just been to collect money, so then they made the CAZ and charged you for driving into town which hasn’t discouraged people either, it’s just collected money.”
No nonsense Yorkshire agrees: “The CAZ was always proposed to be for environmental purposes only and could be scrapped if pollution was reduced. However, now the BCC has discovered a cash cow they are proposing to punish motorists. It is also likely to remain a burden on the public and business for the foreseeable future.”
Crashb33 believes: “BCC constantly makes Bristol a negative place to be in or visit. These proposed charges will not help. Why don’t they put more effort making Bristol a positive? Make Bristol better again, don’t destroy what little it has left.”
StGeorgegas suggests: “With all this money coming in, maybe Bristol could invest in a decent transport system? No cars would be nice on roads to the City centre 7am -19.00pm.”
Saltford agrees: “Why always fleece the motorist? Give us a viable transport system into central Bristol then we can leave our cars at home.”
Do you feel the Clean Air Zone is doing its job? Would you support higher charges? Have your say in our comments section.