Frequently asked questions

What is a Clean Air Zone?

Clean Air Zone is a special area in a city where the air is being cleaned up. It helps people breathe better by reducing pollution from vehicles.

How does it work?

  • Vehicles that pollute the most may have to pay a daily charge to drive in the zone.
  • This encourages people to use cleaner vehicles or other ways to travel, like buses or bikes.

Types of Clean Air Zones

There are four types of Clean Air Zones: A, B, C, and D. Each one affects different kinds of vehicles:

  • Class A: buses, coaches, taxis
  • Class B: adds lorries (HGVs)
  • Class C: adds vans and minibuses
  • Class D: adds cars (only some cities use this)

Bradford uses Class C, so cars and motorbikes are not charged.

What type of Clean Air Zone is Bradford?

Bradford has a Class C+ Clean Air Zone. This means:

  • Passenger cars and motorbikes are not charged.
  • Other vehicles like vans, lorries, taxis, and private hire cars must pay if they don’t meet clean air rules

What about Bradford taxi or private hire drivers?

Here’s a quick look at what kind of vehicles meet the rules:

Private hire vehicle Euro 6
Diesel		 Euro 4
Petrol		 Euro 4
Petrol /
LPG		 Euro 5
Petrol /
LPG		 Euro 5/6
Petrol
Hybrid
4 passenger seat
PHV (Non WAV)		 No No No Yes Yes
5 to 8 passenger seat
PHV (non WAV)		 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Wheelchair
accessible PHV		 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Hackney Carriage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Where is the Bradford Clean Air Zone?

The Clean Air Zone covers:

  • The Bradford outer ring road
  • Areas along the Aire Valley corridor like Manningham Lane, Bradford Road, and Canal Road
  • It also includes Shipley and Saltaire

See the map and read more here.

Why do we need a Clean Air Zone?

  • Cleaner air helps everyone stay healthy—especially children, older people, and those with health problems
  • It reduces pollution from vehicles that make the air dirty
  • Bad air can cause breathing problems, heart issues, and make asthma worse

How does it help Bradford?

  • Since the zone started, air pollution has gone down
  • There are fewer visits to the doctor for breathing and heart problems—about 700 fewer each month
  • The NHS is saving over £30,000 every month thanks to cleaner air

How much does it cost to drive in the zone?

If your vehcile doesn't meet clean air rules and isn't exempt, you'll need to pay:

  • HGV/Coach/Bus £50
  • Minibus/LGV £9
  • Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Vehicle £7

Passenger cars and motorbikes do not pay in Bradford’s Clean Air Zone.

How to pay

You can pay:

You can pay:

  • 6 days before
  • On the day
  • Or up to 6 days after your trip

Is there any help available?

Yes, Bradford Council has given grants to help residents and businesses upgrade their vehicles.

Find out more about help that is available for Bradford businesses and also information for residents here.

What if I get a new vehicle?

  • Your exemption only works for your current vehicle.
  • If you buy a new vehicle, your old exemption will be cancelled.
  • If your new vehicle doesn’t meet clean air rules, you’ll need to pay the daily charge to drive in the zone

Exemptions can't be moved

  • You can’t transfer your exemption to another vehicle.
  • You can’t backdate a new exemption.
  • Always check your new vehicle before buying it at www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones.

Where can I find out more?

You can sign up for Bradford Council’s Clean Air newsletter to get the latest news and support information.

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