Bristol City Council launched its Clean Air Zone (CAZ) initiative with a clear mission: reduce harmful nitrogen dioxide emissions, improve local air quality, and create a healthier environment for its residents. The initiative targets older, higher‑polluting vehicles by requiring non‑compliant drivers to pay a daily charge when entering the designated zone. All revenue generated is reinvested into sustainable transport and infrastructure, ensuring the programme delivers both immediate and long‑term benefits.

The council faced several key hurdles in delivering the CAZ effectively including: reducing emissions from older, non‑compliant vehicles contributing to poor air quality; implementing reliable monitoring and enforcement, ensuring the scheme operated fairly and consistently; and deploying a scalable, future‑ready system capable of adapting to evolving environmental and regulatory needs.

To meet these challenges, Bristol required an enforcement solution with high accuracy, strong reliability, and seamless integration with its existing systems.

The council partnered with Intelliscape to deploy 49 Roadflow Fusion cameras across the city. These advanced Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) units automatically identify vehicles in real time and cross‑reference each number plate with emissions compliance data. Key features included:

• Real‑Time ANPR Accuracy: Automated identification ensures every vehicle entering the CAZ is assessed consistently and fairly.
• High Versatility: The cameras operate reliably in all weather and lighting conditions, providing uninterrupted coverage.
• Third‑Party Integration: Seamless connectivity with payment providers and Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) processors supports smooth enforcement and payment collection workflows.

The introduction of the Clean Air Zone, supported by Intelliscape’s technology, has enabled Bristol to take a major step toward reducing pollution and reshaping travel habits. The reliable automated monitoring system ensures that emissions‑heavy vehicles are identified consistently, encouraging residents and visitors to consider cleaner modes of transport.

As David Bunting of Bristol City Council noted, “The Clean Air Zone will not only reduce air pollution but also help people change how they travel, delivering a cleaner, greener and healthier city for years to come.”

The CAZ is already strengthening public confidence in Bristol’s commitment to sustainability and is laying the groundwork for future improvements in mobility and air‑quality management.