A motorist from Saltford has successfully overturned 12 Clean Air Zone (CAZ) fines in Bristol, arguing that the penalty system is unlawful. John Lyon cited errors in the wording and documentation of penalty charge notices (PCNs), as well as inadequate signage, as grounds for his challenges.
Lyon said the council should refund all fines issued under the scheme, which launched in November 2022 to reduce city centre air pollution. Non-compliant drivers face a £9 daily charge, with failure to pay resulting in a £120 PCN, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Lyon claimed the PCNs are invalid because they cite legislation that does not exist. He stated that the council withdrew fines when he presented his arguments, and that his appeals were never heard by a Traffic Penalty Tribunal adjudicator. On two occasions, the council did not contest his appeal.
Mayor Marvin Rees defended the scheme, stating that disputes centre on document wording rather than the scheme itself. He emphasised the council's legal and moral responsibility to deliver clean air, citing 300 deaths per year linked to pollution.
Data from August showed that the council won less than a fifth of tribunal appeals, with motorists successful 56% of the time. The council has not yet released data on the scheme's effectiveness or revenue generated.
