A pensioner who feels forced to take a huge detour around Bristol to avoid paying CAZ fees says the Clean Air Zone is not fit for purpose. Adrian Knight travels every week between Easton to Bedminster but says he now goes along a route that is three times longer.
His Suzuki, which was manufactured in 1987, is free in Bath but in our city, he would have to fork out £9 per day. Instead, he travels around the city, which is cheaper for him but does mean his using three times his old emissions.
The 73-year-old said: "The CAZ is not fit for purpose, that's if it's designed to clean the air. I am a pensioner and cannot afford a compliant car.
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"As a driver of a 36-year-old car who wishes to travel from Easton to Bedminster I have two choices, either pay the tax (revenue generating) or drive around the outside of the zone which is approximately three times the mileage.
"It is far cheaper for me to go around the zone. I therefore generate three times the emissions as I used to."
Since launching, CAZ has been hit with a number of complaints including one couple who kept getting fined despite not driving in our city. Andrew and Fiona Robison said they have asked Bristol City Council’s Clean Air Zone enforcement team to stop fining them - and despite assurances from top council chiefs that it won’t happen again, it still is. The council has apologised for the inconvenience caused by the error and said the couple will not incur anymore charges.
The council was approached for comment about Adrian's complaint.
How to appeal fines
If you think you have received a Clean Air Zone PCN in error, or have mitigating circumstances, you can submit an appeal online or via post. You have up to 28 days from the date of service (which you can find on the PCN), to make your appeal.
Once the authorities have received your appeal, your PCN will be placed on hold and the amount due will be frozen until a response is sent back to you. If you have received a Charge Certificate, you cannot appeal online, however if you think you have received this in error, you can fill in the PCN contact form here.
You can only appeal one PCN at a time and, if you do need to appeal more than one, you will need to fill in a separate form for each one. You must make your appeal in writing and you'll need your vehicle registration number and your 10 digit Penalty Charge Notice number, which will begin BS5 and can be found on your PCN letter.
You'll be able to see your case details online here.
What has your experience of Bristol's CAZ been like? Email emma.grimshaw@reachplc.com
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