If you have any further questions, please do email them to us.
Q: “WHAT GEOGRAPHIC AREA IS AFFECTED BY NEWCASTLE CLEAN AIR ZONE?
A: This is a link to a map showing the boundary of the zone. It includes
· Tyne Bridge
· Swing Bridge
· High Level Bridge
· Redheugh bridge
and the area north of those bridges as far as the ring road. Signs like these make clear when the boundary is being crossed.
Q: “WHICH VEHICLES WILL BE AFFECTED BY NEWCASTLE’S CLEAN AIR ZONE?”
A: If you are a private car driver, you will not be affected.
The vehicles affected from 30 January 2023 are some of the following:
· Taxis/Private Hire vehicles
· Buses
· Heavy Goods Vehicles
From July 2023 (date TBC), added on will be:
· Vans
Q: “WHAT CHARGES WILL BE LEVIED?”
A: Liable for tolls if their emissions exceed the maximum permitted for the zone area:
· Taxis/Private Hire vehicles – free if meet emissions standards, otherwise face basic charge of £12.50 per day. A discount is available for taxis registered in Newcastle, Gateshead and North Tyneside, which can pay £50 per 7-day-period if preferred.
· Vans – exemptions can be applied for if these are based in Newcastle. Free if meet emissions standards, otherwise face basic charge of £12.50 per day
· Buses, Coaches, Heavy Goods Vehicles - free if meet emissions standards, otherwise face basic charge of £50 per day, w
Q: “WHAT ARE THE EMISSIONS STANDARDS THAT WILL AFFECT THE SCALE OF FEES?”
A: This Government website helps vehicle owners see if they are affected, by inserting their registration number: www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones
· Taxis/Private Hire vehicles: engine must be Euro 6 (diesel – usually registered after Sept 2015) or Euro 4 (petrol – usually registered after 2005).
· Vans: engine must be Euro 6 (diesel – usually registered after Sept 2016) or Euro 4 (petrol – usually registered after Jan 2006).
· Buses, Coaches: must meet Euro VI emissions standards (usually registered after 2014)
· Heavy Goods Vehicles: must meet Euro VI emissions standard (mostly applies if registered after 2014)
Grants are available to bring vehicles up to emissions standards: find out more on https://www.breathe-cleanair.com/grants
Q: “WHAT HAPPENS TO THE TOLLS COLLECTED?”
The Government has ruled that councils can only spend the money on transport improvements aimed at improving air quality, such as encouraging active travel.
