She says the charges are unfair
A Bristol mum has said Bristol Clean Air Zone targets “people who are already struggling” after being fined for rushing her baby to hospital.(Image: Submitted)
A Bristol mum claims the city council’s ‘unfair’ Clean Air Zone charges target its most vulnerable residents after being hit with £140 in fines for rushing her baby to hospital.
The mum from Staple Hill, who has chosen to remain anonymous, dialled 111 on March 8 after her eight-week-old son started showing signs of shallow breathing and flu symptoms.
She was told an ambulance would be sent for her before calling back after a delay and being instructed to make her own way to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.
After getting a taxi to the hospital, her partner hurried from work to join her afterwards, failing to register his 2010 Fiesta in the rush.
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“It’s totally unfair – we ended up staying overnight so received two fines – one going in and one going out,” she told Bristol Live.
“Our baby had HMPV virus which turned to bronchitis so he was incredibly poorly. I just sat by his crib the entire time crying, listening to the machines beeping.
“Paying the Clean Air Zone charge was the last thing on my mind and, honestly, I was way too busy staring at my child checking he was breathing for the next two weeks.”
A Bristol mum has said Bristol Clean Air Zone targets “people who are already struggling” after being fined for rushing her baby to hospital.(Image: Submitted)
Bristol City Council has a series of exemptions for CAZ charges for hospital patients, including emergency visits to the Children’s Hospital. However, the UHBW website states visitors can “apply for a CAZ exemption using this online form on the day of your visit or up to four days after attending one of our emergency departments in the city centre of Bristol.”
On this occasion, the parents were not aware of this exemption and were only notified of the fine more than a month later, after they were sent on April 14 and 16.
“No one reminded me [of the charge or exemption] nor did I see any signs informing me of the exemptions,” she added.
“These charges affect people who are already struggling. We used to have a lovely flat in BS2 but moved out of the Clean Air Zone when it started as our car didn’t qualify. We used to love going into the centre but we hardly ever go now [because of the charge].
“We owe the council £138 if we pay before 14 days of receiving the notice, luckily it’s near a payday but it’s going to affect us next month as our bills have gone up.”
The CAZ covers much of the city centre and charges £9 for motorists who drive vehicles that do not meet air quality rules. Drivers unsure if their vehicle meets the criteria can use an online checker tool.
The council claims more than 71% of vehicles going into Bristol already meet the criteria and has explored the possibility of upping the charge.
The mum stressed she fears missing out on raising her child in order to afford a car that meets the city’s air quality rules.
She explained: “We’re a single-income household as I lost my job while nine weeks pregnant so I’m also without maternity pay.
“We cannot afford to replace our car. It’s at the point now where I may have to sacrifice bringing up my child and missing milestones because I have to go back to work.”
After being contacted by BristolLive, Bristol City Council has agreed to rescind the fines.