Clean Air Zone Apply for your exemption now!

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Bradford Clean Air Zone is coming

Clean Air Zone - update 08 April 2022


The exemption process is now open

The Government is introducing Clean Air Zones across England to improve air quality and the health of people who live and work there.

Compared to other authorities Bradford Council has managed to secure a more extensive exemptions and grants programme from Government, which means that most local householders and businesses will not have to pay. This is possible because around 85% of commercial vehicles that are expected to enter the CAZ will be from outside the District.

The process to apply for an exemption is now open for Bradford District residents and businesses with non-compliant vehicles and certain businesses based outside the District.

Getting an exemption means that you will not have to pay to drive in the Bradford Clean Air Zone.

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Exemptions are now open

Check you are eligible for an exemption

The complete list of available exemptions to businesses and households is available here.

You will never be charged to drive a passenger car or motorbike in the Bradford Clean Air Zone. This means that you do not need to take any action or apply for an exemption and it’s the same for people who live outside the Bradford District.  They will not be charged for passenger cars or motorbikes either.

Check if you need to pay

If the vehicle you are driving meets the required emission standards this will not be charged, you do not need to apply for an exemption.

Who can apply for an exemption

Households in the Bradford district can apply for an exemption if they own a non-compliant commercial type vehicle for private use, such as a van or a lorry. This is in addition to campervans, motorhomes and horseboxes which are also exempt.

Bradford businesses are eligible for up to 3 vehicles being exempt so most businesses, as long as they apply, won’t have to pay. Businesses with up to 250 employees can apply including Small & Medium Enterprise (SME’s) self-employed, sole-traders, and registered organisations.

There are also “sunset” exemption periods for businesses that have upgraded vehicles on order but are not yet delivered. They won’t have to pay charges on the old vehicle whilst they are waiting for the new one to arrive.


How to apply for an exemption

You will need to complete the application form and also provide evidence to validate your exemption.

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Prepare the required documents

To ensure a smooth application process please have the following images and documents ready when making your application:

Each vehicle type needs to provide the following:

  • Photo ID for the applicant (driving license, passport)
  • V5c document (all pages)
  • Valid insurance certificate
  • Valid MOT certificate
  • 4 photographs (1 from each side of vehicle and clearly showing registration number)

In addition to the above documents you will need to check for any additional evidence required for your vehicle type and attach the additional documents at the end of the form.

Exemptions documents required

What happens next?

On submission of your application form, the council will acknowledge receipt of your application. the council will process applications after receipt of the application and all required evidence.

Once your application has been assessed. The council will notify you via email to advise if your exemption has been awarded.

Once an exemption is awarded you will not have to pay to drive in the Bradford Clean Air Zone.

If you need support or advice to complete your exemption form please contact the Clean Air Zone team by phoning 01274 435533 or complete the online form

Clean Air Zone Air quality exceeds the legal limit

Clean Air Light Goods Vehicle (LGV) and Minibus Fund Programme

The Clean Air Light goods Vehicle (LGV) programme has grants remaining to help local companies (SMEs) and organisations to upgrade their vehicles to meet the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) standards. The CAZ will be live in Spring 2022, don't delay upgrade your vehicles today.

Funding is limited so check the criteria and apply now.


Check your vehicle online

Using the government’s GOV.UK’s vehicle checker, you will be able to check whether charges will apply to your vehicle using your registration number. If you’re a business or organisation, you can check multiple vehicles.


Clean Air Zone links and information

All information regarding the Bradford CAZ, including information about grants and exemptions, can be found on the Breathe Better Bradford website.

Sign up to receive Clean Air Zone updates

Clean Air Zone enquiries: 01274 435533 or complete the online form


Exemptions and grants are available for residents and businesses footer