Bristol CAZ

Instructions for Defending a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) Charge in Bristol

If you have received a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charge for Bristol and believe it was issued in error or have valid grounds to dispute it, follow these steps to defend against the charge:

1. Verify Eligibility for Defence

Before proceeding, ensure you have a legitimate reason for defence. Common reasons include:

• Incorrect vehicle registration details

• Exemption status (e.g., disabled tax class vehicles)

• Vehicle compliance with emission standards

• Technical issues with the CAZ system

2. Collect Necessary Documentation

Gather all relevant documents to support your defence, such as:

• The CAZ charge reference number

• Vehicle registration certificate (V5C)

• Proof of exemption or compliance

• Evidence of payment (if applicable)

• Any correspondence related to the CAZ charge

3. Submit a Defence Online

You can dispute the charge online through the Bristol City Council’s website. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Bristol City Council's CAZ Charge Dispute Page: Navigate to the official Bristol City Council Clean Air Zone webpage dedicated to charge disputes.

2. Complete the Online Dispute Form:

   • Enter your CAZ charge reference number.

   • Provide vehicle registration details.

   • Attach relevant documents supporting your defence.

   • Clearly explain the reason for your dispute.

3. Submit the Form:

   • Review all entered information for accuracy.

   • Submit the form.

4. Submit a Defence by Post

If you prefer to submit your defence via mail, follow these steps:

1. Write a Formal Defence Letter:

   • Include your CAZ charge reference number and vehicle registration number.

   • State the grounds for your defence clearly and concisely.

   • Attach copies of all relevant supporting documents.

Send the Letter: Address the letter to:

Bristol Clean Air Zone

PO Box 3176

Bristol

BS1 9NR

5. Await a Response

After submitting your defence, wait for a response from the council. They will review your case and provide a decision. This process may take several weeks.

6. If the Defence is Rejected

If your initial defence is rejected, you may have the option to escalate the matter to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. The rejection letter will contain information on how to proceed with this step.

7. Keep Records

Ensure you keep copies of all correspondence and documents related to your defence for future reference.

Important Tips:

• Act Promptly: Submit your defence within the timeframe specified on your CAZ charge notice.

• Be Detailed and Honest: Provide as much relevant information as possible and ensure all details are accurate.

• Follow Up: If you do not receive a response within the expected timeframe, follow up with the council to check the status of your defence.

By following these steps, you can effectively defend against a Clean Air Zone charge in Bristol if you believe it was issued incorrectly.

WARRANT OF CONTROL ISSUED

If you’ve received a Warrant of Control for a Bristol Clean Air Zone (CAZ) penalty that has escalated to bailiffs (typically via Marston, CDER Group, or another enforcement company), here’s a clear step-by-step guide for how to respond under UK enforcement law, with specific points relevant to CAZ fines:

1 - Understand What a Warrant of Control Means

• A Warrant of Control is issued by the Traffic Enforcement Centre (TEC) at Northampton County Court. • It allows enforcement agents (bailiffs) to visit your home and take control of goods if the debt remains unpaid. • This stage typically follows a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), a Charge Certificate, and an Order for Recovery. • It is not a criminal matter, but it is enforceable under civil law.

2 - Identify Which Stage You’re At

• If this is your first notice of the debt from a bailiff, check if the PCN was properly served. • If you did not receive the original PCN or other documents, you may be able to file an Out of Time Witness Statement (TE7 and TE9 forms) to stop enforcement and rewind the process.

➡️ Full guidance on this process here:
https://sites.google.com/view/council-parking-bailiff/home

3 - Prevent Entry by Bailiffs

• Do not let bailiffs in. You are not legally obliged to open the door. • Bailiffs cannot force entry for a CAZ PCN unless they’ve already been inside and listed goods in a Controlled Goods Agreement (CGA). • You can communicate by post, email, or through a closed window.

➡️ Full rights of entry guide:
https://sites.google.com/view/bailiffsaccessrights/home

4 - Challenge the Enforcement

You can file a PE2 (request to file late) and PE3 (witness statement) if: • You never received the original PCN or other notices. • The PCN was paid, or you were not the owner at the time. • The penalty was already appealed.

The forms are free and can be submitted by email.

• PE2 – Application to file a Statutory Declaration out of time

• PE3 – Statutory Declaration (you choose one of 3 valid grounds)
  
  

These are used to challenge a Warrant of Control that was issued after a PCN escalated through: • Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
• Charge Certificate
• Order for Recovery
• Enforcement (bailiff stage)

Download them from the official court site.

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-pe2-application-to-file-a-statutory-declaration-out-of-time

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-pe3-challenge-an-unpaid-penalty-charge-notice

5 - Declare Vulnerability (if applicable)

If you are financially struggling, disabled, ill, elderly, or caring for someone vulnerable: • Write to the bailiff company and declare your vulnerability. • Use this general template:
https://sites.google.com/view/vulnerable-letter/home

Once notified, enforcement should be paused while they review your situation.

6 - Demand Proper Paperwork

If the bailiffs attend or threaten entry: • Ask for evidence of their authority, including the Warrant of Control. • You can demand this before allowing any access (Schedule 12, Paragraph 26 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007).

Bailiffs often try to sidestep this, but you are entitled to ask.

7 - Payment Options

If challenging the fine is no longer viable, you can: • Negotiate a repayment plan with the enforcement company. • Keep communication in writing. • Avoid phone calls or visits where possible.

8 - Remove Implied Right of Access (Optional Step)

• You can serve a “Removal of Implied Right of Access” notice to deter visits, although this is symbolic—it won’t stop enforcement but could help prevent harassment.

Template and info:
https://sites.google.com/view/removalofimpledrightsofaccess/home

THREE REASONS FOR APPEAL (PE3)

There are three valid reasons you can use on the PE3 Statutory Declaration form when challenging a moving traffic fine (such as a Clean Air Zone PCN) that has escalated to bailiffs.

You must select one of the following:

🔹 1 - "I did not receive the Notice to Owner or PCN."

Use this if: • You never received the original PCN at all
• It was sent to the wrong address
• You only found out when the bailiff turned up

This is the most common reason and often accepted, especially if DVLA records were outdated or the council made an error in posting.

🔹 2 - "I made representations about the penalty charge to the Local Authority but did not receive a rejection notice."

Use this if: • You appealed the PCN (e.g. challenged the charge online or by post)
• But you never got a formal response rejecting or accepting your challenge

You’ll need to briefly explain in PE2 what you sent, when, and what happened after.

🔹 3 - "I appealed to the Tribunal but did not receive a response."

Use this if: • You escalated the case to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal
• But never got a decision or outcome

This only applies if you took it beyond the council and submitted a formal appeal.

⚠️ Important Notes:

• Only ONE ground can be selected on the PE3 form.
• Your PE2 must explain why you are applying late (e.g. you didn’t know about it, were out of the country, or the PCN was sent to the wrong address).
• Be honest but concise. The court looks for a reasonable explanation, not legal arguments.