Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone: what you need to know

The Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is designed to cut the number of polluting cars on the road to improve the city's air quality.

In recent years, there have been several clean air zone schemes introduced across the UK, to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. 

The creation of clean air zones in major UK cities is a part of the Government’ Air Quality Plan, which aims to tackle sources of harmful emissions.

The Government hopes that by working at a regional level, local authorities will take the most effective steps to contribute to improved air quality at a national level.

This guide looks into why it has been introduced in Newcastle, and why you should be aware of it before heading to the region.

What areas does the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone cover?

The Newcastle Clean Air Zone covers the city centre and key routes over the River Tyne - this includes the Swing, High Level and Redheugh bridges.

Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone Map

Here is the official map for the clean air zone:

Credit: breathe-cleanair.com

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How much does the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone cost?

The Newcastle Clean Air Zone doesn't apply to private cars or motorbikes, which means it's free to enter the city with these vehicles at day or night. 

If you drive a van, taxi, bus or HGV, your vehicle must meet Euro 6 for diesel engine and Euro 4 for petrol. If you do not know what your vehicle's engine rating is, see our Euro 1 to Euro 7 guide to find out your vehicle's emissions standard.

If your vehicle doesn't meet the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone standards, you must pay one of two fees:

• £50 per day for buses, coaches & HGVs the charge is £50.00 per day

• £12.50 for taxis, vans, LGVs and minibuses

You can pay the Clean Air Zone charge up to six days in advance of entering the zone, on the day of travel or by 11:59pm on the sixth day after travelling in the zone.

To find out if your vehicle is compliant with the  Newcastle Clean Air Zone, use the Government’s CAZ tool.

What times does the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone apply?

The Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone applies to the whole 24 hours in a day within the CAZ region – from midnight to midnight. You only have to pay once for that day, so you can come and go as many times as you need.

Therefore, two consecutive days will incur two separate charges.

If a charge is not paid drivers may receive a penalty charge notice (PCN).

What vehicles are impacted by Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone?

The Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone affects non-complaint taxis, vans, buses, coaches, or HGVs.

If the vehicle you are driving is compliant using the national online vehicle checker www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones.

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Are there any exemptions for the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone?

The CAZ in Newcastle applies to polluting taxis, vans, buses, coaches, and HGVs.

However, in some cases, vehicles that do not currently meet the CAZ requirements may be exempt from paying the Clean Air Zone charge.

According to the Government, there are two types of exemption:

• National exemptions – agreed by government and apply to all Clean Air Zones
• Local exemptions – agreed by councils for the Clean Air Zone in their area

For the later, the Newcastle and Gateshead CAZ has provided an exemption list.

You can apply for an exemption either online or using a paper application form. To request a paper application form, please contact 0191 278 2711 or email [email protected].

The vehicles below are included in this exemption list:

• Emergency vehicles
• Agricultural and Constriction
• Showmen’s Guild
• Non-commercial vintage buses
• Motor caravans
• Bus and HGV training vehicles
• Vehicles awaiting retrofit or replacement vehicle
• Emergency Rail Replacement Vehicles

There are also grants available to certain vehicles – learn more here.

How do I pay for the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone?

You can pay the Newcastle Clean Air Zone (CAZ) fee by calling 0300 029 8888. The lines are open Monday to Friday between 8am and 7pm and on Saturday from 8am until 2pm.

Payment can also be made online, using the national Clean Air Zone website.

Please be aware that there have been several examples of scam third party websites that claim to manage CAZ payments. Make sure you only use the official website or telephone number to make payment.

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Clean air zone advice

We have a wide range of guides and articles that look at how emissions are impacting the industry – and information you need to be aware of.

Clean air zones are appearing across the country – and more are set to be introduced in the years ahead.

Do you think more CAZ should be introduced? If you live in or near one – do you believe it has had a positive impact? Leave your comments below.