Newcastle CAZ now in operation

Non-compliant buses and coaches will face charges to drive into Newcastle’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) from today (30 January).

The CAZ requires EuroVI emissions standards for vehicles to be compliant, otherwise they face a charge.

Non-compliant (non-EuroVI) PCVs and HGVs will be charged £50 per day, while non-compliant taxi and private hire vehicles will be charged £12.50 per day. Private cars are not affected by the Clean Air Zone and do not have to pay any charges.

Non-compliant vans will have to pay £12.50 per day but not until July. These charges have been delayed due to national vehicle supply chain issues that are making it difficult for owners and small businesses to obtain compliant vehicles.

The zone covers most of Newcastle city centre as well as routes across the Tyne, Swing, High Level and Redheugh bridges.

Payments can be made any time from six days before a journey, on the day of travel or by 11:59pm on the sixth day after driving in the zone. If a charge is not paid drivers may receive a penalty charge notice (PCN).

People can check whether their vehicle will be charged and, if they do need to pay they can also make a payment, using the national Clean Air Zone website. Payment can also be made by telephone on 0300 029 8888. The lines are open Monday to Friday between 8am and 7pm and on Saturday from 8am until 2pm.

Road signs with the Clean Air logo mark all the entrances to the CAZ and further signs are in place in all directions, to warn drivers on approaching routes.