Bradford drivers could avoid costly Clean Air Zone penalties with the help of a new app designed to remind users when they need to pay the charge.
The app, called CAZ Tracker, has been launched by software developer Guy Mitchell, 45, from Bath, and is available on both Android and Apple devices.
Mr Mitchell said the idea came from his own experience driving a van through Clean Air Zones.
Guy Mitchell created the app after his own experiences driving through Clean Air Zones. (Image: Guy Mitchell)
“I built it for my van, really, because I was going through a Clean Air Zone and thought we really could do with something that monitors my Clean Air Zone usage,” he said.
Who is charged?
While private cars are exempt from charges in Bradford's Clean Air Zone, many commercial vehicle drivers still face daily fees.
Owners of non-compliant vans are charged £9 per day, while non-compliant taxis pay £7.
Failure to pay within the required timeframe can result in a penalty charge notice of up to £120.
How does it work?
The app uses a phone's GPS location to detect when a driver enters a Clean Air Zone.
Once triggered, it sends a notification reminding them that a charge may be due and keeps a record of journeys made within the zone.
Mr Mitchell believes it could prove particularly useful for Bradford taxi drivers, van operators and other tradespeople who regularly enter the city's Clean Air Zone.
He said the system only triggers when a vehicle is travelling at more than 15mph within a charging zone and will generally issue just one notification per day.
“It keeps a running record of which days you've been through,” he said.
“It allows you to go straight to the payment page and copies your number plate, which you put into the app.”
Other features
As well as tracking Clean Air Zone journeys, the app can also provide vehicle details and MOT reminders after users enter their registration number.
Mr Mitchell said one of the challenges facing motorists is the lack of consistency between different Clean Air Zones across the country.
“Generally, I think they're an okay idea, but the problem is the fact they're different depending on the zones,” he said.
He added that vehicles considered compliant in one city may still be charged in another, which can catch drivers out, particularly when travelling to unfamiliar areas.
The app is available now for Android and Apple devices.
After a seven-day free trial, it costs £12 per year to use.