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Applications open for Clean Air Zone exemption permits

Published: 5th Mar 2020

Ahead of the launch of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone this summer, applications are now open for temporary exemption permits.

Ahead of the launch of Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone in 2021, applications are now open for temporary exemption permits.

The exemption permits will be available to residents, low income workers and businesses in the Clean Air Zone for a period of one to two years. All of these exemption permits are subject to eligibility criteria, including the ownership of a vehicle that does not meet the emission standards for the Clean Air Zone, and only available on application through brumbreathes.co.uk.

The exemption permits available are:

  • Residents living within the Clean Air Zone who own a vehicle that does not meet the emission standards for the Clean Air Zone.
    • EXEMPTION PERIOD: Two years from the date of launch for the Clean Air Zone
  • Low income workers (earning less than £30,000 p.a.) whose registered place of work is in the Clean Air Zone.
    • EXEMPTION PERIOD: One year from the date of launch for the Clean Air Zone
  • Commercial vehicles registered within the Clean Air Zone (maximum of two vehicles per business ) can apply for a year of exemption as well as Commercial vehicles with existing finance agreement beyond commencement of the Clean Air Zone and registered within the zone.
  • Community and school transport vans and minibuses will be able to apply for an ongoing exemption if they are registered as Section 19 or Section 22 for operation in Birmingham and not registered as a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle.

Councillor Waseem Zaffar MBE, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: “The Clean Air Zone is a huge step towards a cleaner and safer future for Birmingham residents.

“Air pollution in the UK is now at dangerous levels and contributes to health impacts on people suffering long term respiratory conditions. As I have stated before, doing nothing is not an option.

“We are conscious of the impact the zone could have on key groups of people so the range of exemptions and financial support will help individuals, businesses and other organisations to make the transition to a clean air Birmingham.”

Further information on the zone, charges, as well as full details of the exemption permits and how to apply for them, can be found on the Brum Breathes website.