Newcastle and Gateshead (Tyneside) Clean Air Zone

Who pays

Class C: taxis and private hire vehicles, vans/LGVs, minibuses, buses, coaches and HGVs that do not meet national CAZ standards (Euro 6 diesel / Euro 4 petrol; Euro VI for buses, coaches and HGVs). Privately owned cars and motorbikes are not charged.

When it applies

24 hours a day; charge day midnight to midnight.

How much

Discounts and exemptions

• National exemptions (automatic, all English CAZs): ultra low emission vehicles, disabled and disabled passenger tax class vehicles, military vehicles, historic vehicles, vehicles retrofitted under the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS), certain agricultural vehicles
• Local exemptions (apply online, allow 14 days): emergency vehicles, agricultural and similar vehicles (incl. recovery, cranes, gritters), Showmen's Guild vehicles, non-commercial vintage buses, motor caravans (Class L), bus and HGV training vehicles, vehicles awaiting retrofit/replacement (up to 1 year), emergency rail replacement vehicles
• Charges waived on notified diversions; planned diversion routes are exempted

How to pay

Online at GOV.UK Drive in a Clean Air Zone service, or by phone 0300 029 8888 (Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 8am-2pm). Multiple-vehicle businesses can pay by bank transfer (GoCardless) via a GOV.UK business account. Taxi 7-day permit via the council.

Payment deadline

Up to six days in advance, on the day of travel, or by 11:59pm on the sixth day after travelling.

If you don't pay

PCN £120, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days; the original CAZ charge must also be paid. If not paid within 28 days a charge certificate adds a 50% surcharge (14 days to pay), plus the CAZ charge; then Traffic Enforcement Centre / enforcement agents.

Good to know

Launched 30 January 2023 (joint scheme of Newcastle and Gateshead councils). Vehicle upgrade grant scheme closed to applications on 30 January 2026. lat/lon approximate.