Council set to approve Clean Air Zone proposals but who would be exempt from charges?

A vehicle charge, similar to that of London, is set to be introduced in Birmingham Credit: PA Credit: PA

Birmingham City Council's cabinet is set to approve its Clean Air Zone proposals.

If given the go ahead the plans will go to central government for approval.

The scheme could see drivers of older cars being charged up to £10 to drive into the centre of the city.

HGVs, coaches and lorries could pay up to £100.

The plans are a bid to reduce pollution - Birmingham has consistently been rated as one of the most polluted cities in the UK by the European Commission.

However there are set to be a number of exemptions to the 'clean air tax'.

How would it affect you?

See our breakdown of those businesses and individuals who would still be able to travel into the city 'for free'.

  • HGVs and coaches registered to addresses within the Clean Air Zone (CAZ)

  • HGVs with existing finance agreements travelling to the CAZ

  • Vans belonging to small or medium size businesses (SMEs) within the CAZ

  • Vans with existing finance agreements within the CAZ

  • Cars and vans of CAZ residents

  • 'Income deprived' households working within the CAZ

  • Key workers and volunteers working within the CAZ

  • Vehicle travelling to selected hospitals, GP centres and care homes will be exempt from paying the CAZ charge

  • Community and school transport

  • Emergency services vehicles, show vehicles and motorcycles

  • Key workers and volunteers working within the CAZ

  • Community and school transport

A number of vehicles and households within the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) would also receive funding to offset the cost of charges.

This includes vehicles belonging to low-income households living or working within the CAZ with a vehicle which does not meet other exemption measures.

There is also set to be a £2,000 scrappage scheme for CAZ residents and people on low incomes.

And drivers of taxis which do not meet the exemption criteria would be given around £5,000 over four year period.

HGV and Coach fleet operators within the West Midlands Combined Authority area will be able to apply for either a cash payment towards 'retrofit' technology that will make their vehicles compliant or money towards the purchase/lease of a new or second-hand compliant vehicle.