A ULEZ-style system has come into force in Bristol this week, as the city’s ‘clean air zone’ comes into force.
Drivers of older, more polluting vehicles are set to be charged £9 a day for driving in the city or risk a fine of up to £120. The system relies on ANPR cameras to record the vehicles travelling in and out of the zone. It came into force this week (28th November), and stretches from Temple Meads station in the east to Bower Ashton in the south. It encompasses much of the area of central Bristol, including Spike Island, Canon’s Marsh, and Queens Square.
Do motorcycles pay to go in the Bristol Clean Air Zone?
Unlike the London ULEZ, which was recently announced as being extended to cover the majority of London, the Bristol Clean Air Zone does (for now at least) include some sensible exemptions, most notably for us, motorcycles. Any motorcycle, regardless of engine size, engine type, or age is exempt from the charge, making us wonder if the city could become a bit of a hub for two-wheelers. Others exempt from the charge are residents, low-income earners, blue badge holders, and hospital visitors. That won’t be for long though, as these exemptions will all expire at the end of March 2023.
Estimates put the amount of revenue generated by the scheme at around £675,000 per day – based on 75,000 vehicles paying the charge. That equates to a whopping £246,000,000 a year added to Bristol Council’s piggy bank. With cash like that on offer, it likely won’t be long before other towns and cities jump on the bandwagon.
