Drivers could face fines if they fail to pay charges to drive into Bristol through the centres planned Clean Air Zone.

Under the new plans drivers will be charged up to £100 to drive in the zone that includes parts of Cabot Circus and Temple Meads.

However, if motorists fail to pay the charges of £9 for cars and vans or £100 for vehicles such as coaches and buses, they will be subject to a penalty charge notice.

The daily charges will not be applicable to petrol vehicles that meet Euro 4, 5 and 6 emission standards (from roughly 2006) or to Euro 6 diesel vehicles (roughly from the end of 2015).

The zone will use automatic number plate recognition cameras to register vehicles driving into and through the zone. If a vehicle does not meet the zone’s

emission standards it will automatically register a charge- however charges can be paid up to six days in advance.

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The charges are applicable 24 hours a day, so if you drive through the zone before midnight one day and again straight after midnight- you would need to pay twice.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol said: “We have a moral, environmental and legal responsibility to make Bristol’s air cleaner. Our city is already benefitting from positive changes, including improvements to bus

infrastructure, walking routes and cycle paths. Now, the Clean Air Zone will reduce air pollution, support people and businesses to upgrade their vehicles and help us become a healthier, more sustainable and inclusive city.”