Suggest a way to avoid paying for the Birmingham Clean Air Zone

Haggisman

Haggisman

Haggisman

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I need to pick up my partner from work in central Birmingham on Christmas morning, drop her off again in the evening and pick her up again on Boxing day morning, as I understand it, this will cost me £16 in CAZ charges, since my car isn't compliant (possibly also on Christmas eve depending on the trains, so maybe £24)

On principle I'd rather not pay it, since - while I agree with the premise of reducing car travel in cities, in this case it's very short sighted when there are no alternative travel options in place, and so I'd rather not financially reward stupidity if at all possible.

Walking is not an option, since it's too far, and cycling isn't an option since it would be nice if she actually made it home (anyone who's had the misfortune of driving in the Midlands knows what I mean :p ).

So far I've looked at:

Hiring a compliant car, which is looking like about £130, so possibly an option.

One of those car clubs, enterprise have an offer on at the moment, £10 for the year, plus £10 free driving time credit, which might just about cover it.

Uber would be about £50 in normal circumstances, so I guess for Christmas day we can double that...

Buying a new car might also be an option if I can get one in time

Failing that, I might be able to borrow my mates Zoe, or get her to walk to the edge of the CAZ zone and pick her up there, but those are both quite boring options (the latter also likely to get me a slap :p)

Any other suggestions? The more "interesting" the better :p
 
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I would prefer a legal option... Although, only a max £1k fine, so still cheaper than the new car option

But now you mention it, the roads are always dirty during winter, it wouldn't surprise me if the plates weren't completely legible in some very specific situations ;)
 
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Seriously though how big is Birmingham Caz? Can she walk just outside of charging? I'd Uber just outside of the zone - can't be that big can it?
 
It's just over a mile, don't think she'd be too happy about that after a long night shift, and an uber looks like about £6 right now, so probably £10+ on Christmas day
 
Could take the kids out for an early morning bike ride, carry her bike on my back...

Or failing that, i wonder where I can hire a dog sled :D

omnomnom said:
It really isnt worth the hassle to save £6 is it. Just pay the charge.
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£16 (possibly £24)

It's also the principle. They're trying to encourage people to use public transport on days where there is no public transport. Anyone with 2 braincells to rub together would have thought about that and have an exemption on certain days when there are no alternative options. But then anyone with 2 braincells to rub together wouldn't be working for the council, so meh...
 
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definately not compliant? I was worried about the Bradford one and that one doesn't even apply to private cars.

Checker here: https://www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones

EDIT: Sorry, just found Birmingham's one is stricter and includes cars, so guess its just if your car meets their rules.
 
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Haggisman said:
Could take the kids out for an early morning bike ride, carry her bike on my back...

Or failing that, i wonder where I can hire a dog sled :D



£16 (possibly £24)

It's also the principle. They're trying to encourage people to use public transport on days where there is no public transport. Anyone with 2 braincells to rub together would have thought about that and have an exemption on certain days when there are no alternative options. But then anyone with 2 braincells to rub together wouldn't be working for the council, so meh...
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I get the principle and maybe contact them for an exemption but the idea that you think paying £130 for a compliant car is a viable alternative is madness.

If you really dont want to pay it then ask her to walk a mile (providing it isnt nighttime)
 
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I have an alternative. Set up a change.org petition to get the clean air zone removed and get the required amount of support. Become the MP for the area, or better mayor of Brum and then get it removed. Then and only then drive in and actually pick her up.


Also, what you doing so far south of Scotland? Be hard to find decent Haggis in West mids I imagine?
 
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Use a Voi scooter to get to the outskirts of the zone and she can meet you there?

How far are we talking door to door? Is there a canal linking her office to your home?

Alternatively you could pay the charge.
 
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