Clean Air Zone exemptions

Which vehicles are exempt for life?Which vehicles are exempt for a limited time?Other exemptions

If you drive or operate non-compliant buses, coaches, heavy goods vehicles, taxis or private hire vehicles you must pay a daily charge to enter the CAZ unless your vehicle is exempt.

 

Check if you will be charged

Apply for an exemption

If you drive or operate non-compliant buses, coaches, heavy goods vehicles, taxis or private hire vehicles you must pay a daily charge to enter the CAZ unless your vehicle is exempt.

Some vehicle exemptions are set nationally, while others only apply in Portsmouth’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ). In Portsmouth, certain vehicles also get a short ‘sunset period’ after the CAZ starts. This gives drivers and operators extra time to replace or upgrade their vehicle.

If you operate a non-compliant vehicle that would normally be charged in the CAZ, you can apply for an exemption or sunset period to avoid being charged. Your exemption only starts once you’ve received confirmation from us.

Apply online using the form and provide evidence to show you’re eligible. Details of the evidence you’ll need is listed below.

You can check your registration on the government’s CAZ checker. Vehicles which are nationally exempt or non-chargeable don’t need to apply for a local exemption. If your vehicle shows a charge to travel within Portsmouth CAZ, you may qualify for a local exemption.

Some vehicles, like non-commercial vintage buses and horse transporters, are exempt for up to ten days per year. Apply now, even if you don’t know your travel dates, as you can tell us later when you’ll be entering the CAZ.

Not sure what Euro standard your vehicle meets? Check your vehicle log book.

The CAZ covers about 3km2 in the southwest of Portsmouth.

Which vehicles are exempt for life?

Emergency Service Vehicles

Emergency service vehicles don’t have to pay to use the Portsmouth CAZ if they have an Emergency Service Vehicle tax class. This includes:

  • Ambulances (including veterinary ambulances)
  • Fire engines
  • Fire Service vehicles
  • Police vehicles
  • Mine rescue vehicles
  • Lifeboat haulage vehicles
  • Lighthouse Authority vehicles

If your emergency service vehicle isn’t listed, but you think it qualifies for an exemption, please contact us.

To apply you’ll need to provide the following evidence:

  • A vehicle list from an Emergency Service Fleet manager, to be updated at least yearly (details in the Exemption Approvals Email)
  • A V5 document (if the vehicle isn’t in an Emergency Service Vehicle tax class)

Volunteer vehicles that support the emergency services can also apply. You’ll need:

  • V5 document
  • A request from the relevant emergency service on headed paper

Specialist Heavy Vehicles

Vehicles in these tax classes don’t have to pay to use the Portsmouth CAZ:

  • Special vehicles
  • Recovery vehicles
  • Special concessionary vehicles

You can find more details about these tax classes here. If your specialist heavy vehicle isn’t listed but you think qualifies, please contact us.

To apply you’ll need to provide:

  • V5 document
  • Photographs of the front, back and both sides of the vehicle
  • Proof that your vehicle can’t be retrofitted, or an explanation with evidence shown why buying a new vehicle isn’t affordable for you.

These vehicles will stay exempt while the Portsmouth CAZ is in operation, but you must renew your exemption with us at least every year. Details of how to do this will be included in your confirmation email if your exemption is approved.

Which vehicles are exempt for a limited time?

Non-commercial Vintage Buses

Vintage buses that are not used for commercial purposes can travel in the Portsmouth CAZ without paying for up to ten days each year. These days don’t have to be consecutive.

The bus must have been first registered 20-39 years ago. To apply you’ll need:

  • V5 document
  • Photos of the front, back and both sides of the vehicle

You don’t need to renew your application, but you must tell us if the vehicle changes ownership.

You’ll need to provide us with any dates you intend to travel through the CAZ before you travel.

Before you travel you must give us the dates you plan to enter the CAZ.  If you know these dates when you apply, include them in your application.

Contact us at CAZExemptions@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 023 9283 4593.

Apply for an exemption

Horse transporters classed as heavy goods vehicles

HGV sized horse transporters can travel in the Portsmouth CAZ without paying for up to 10 days each year. These days don’t have to be consecutive. This exemption helps Isle of Wight residents to reach specialist equine services on the mainland without paying a charge.

Horse transporters classed as vans don’t need to pay the CAZ charge, and compliant vehicles are also exempt.

To apply, you’ll need:

  • V5 document
  • Photographs of the front, back, both sides and inside rear of the vehicle

You don’t need to renew your application, but you contact us if the vehicle changes ownership.

Before you travel you must give us the dates you plan to enter the CAZl. This allows us to update our system and  prevent you from getting a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

If you know your travel dates when you apply, include them in your application. If not, you can still apply now and provide the dates later. Contact us at CAZExemptions@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 023 9283 4593.

Apply for an exemption

Other exemptions

Some other exemptions have been agreed by Portsmouth City Council.

Emergency rail replacement buses and coaches

Buses or coaches needed for unplanned rail replacement services will get an exemption. This also applies if a bus or coach services heading into the zone breaks down and needs to be replaced.

This exemption only covers unplanned events, such as break downs. Planned replacement services must pay the charge if the vehicle is not compliant.

The exemption can last up to two working days if needed. For example, if an emergency rail replacement bus enters the CAZ at 11.30pm and leaves at 12.30am.

To apply you must:

  • Apply online
  • Explain why a replacement vehicle was needed
  • Provide evidence where possible, such as a last-minute booking from a rail company
  • Include your vehicle’s V5 form to confirm ownership

Notify us on the day of travel or the day after. The sooner you tell us that your vehicle has entered the CAZ, the less likely you are to get a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). If you followed the process and still receive a PCN please contact us.

Apply for an exemption