New BMW M2 xDrive brings all-wheel drive to baby M car

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June 4, 2026

The 2026 BMW M2 xDrive boasts the same 480hp as its rear-wheel drive counterpart, but races from 0-62mph in a quicker time

BMW has added the option of all-wheel drive to its smallest M model, enhancing its appeal for many UK drivers.

Until now, both generations of BMW M2 had been rear-wheel drive, with tyre-shredding drifting ability very much on the agenda.

Fear not, though: the M2 xDrive has not abandoned its tail-happy roots. The new model still sends torque to the rear wheels until they cannot handle any more.

Only then will the xDrive system’s multi-plate clutch divert torque to the front axle, helping restore traction to slingshot the M2 down the road.

As a result, the new M2 xDrive could be a practical choice for UK enthusiasts who want to enjoy their sports car in all weathers.

New Ignite tech boosts efficiency

Powering the new M2 xDrive is the same 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six as found in the regular model, producing 480hp and 443lb ft of torque.

The engine features BMW’s patented new ‘Ignite’ technology, with a pre-chamber combustion process to boost efficiency. Set to be added to all six-cylinder M models, the new system allows the petrol engine to meet forthcoming EU7 emissions regulations.

Improved efficiency should also mean a reduction in fuel consumption, which BMW believes will be welcomed by track day drivers who can keep lapping circuits for longer.

BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission is standard for the M2 xDrive. Only the rear-wheel-drive model can be equipped with a six-speed manual ‘box.

Going sideways is still allowed

The added traction of xDrive brings an extra benefit to the M2, reducing the time it needs to accelerate from 0-62mph.

Compared to 4.0 seconds for the rear-wheel-drive M2, the xDrive-equipped version takes just 3.7 seconds to complete the benchmark sprint.

Top speed remains capped at 155mph, with the optional M Driver’s Package upping this to 174mph for greater bragging rights.

As with any modern M car, drivers are able to customise the M2’s powertrain to their personal preferences. One option in the M Setup menu allows the xDrive system to be set solely to rear-wheel drive, with the Dynamic Stability Control switched off.

BMW notes that this ‘unlocks a driving experience of remarkable purity’ – and probably one optimised for lurid tail slides, too…

Bringing ‘traction and precision’ to the M2

Alexander Karajlovic, vice president for development at BMW M GmbH, said: “The new BMW M2 with M xDrive opens the next chapter in the story of an icon. It breaks new ground in blending the strong, uncompromising character of the BMW M2 compact high-performance sports car with the superior traction and precision of M xDrive for the first time”.

Prices for the BMW M2 xDrive will start at £74,255 in the UK, representing an increase of just over £2,600 versus the rear-wheel-drive coupe.

New for the 2026 M2 is the option of the bold BMW Individual Borusan Turkish Blue paint, which adds an extra £4,385.

The BMW Configurator has already been updated for the M2 xDrive, so you can start planning your ideal specification before production gets underway in August 2026.

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The bear facts: what you need to know about Fiat’s Grizzly SUV

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John Redfern

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June 4, 2026

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The new Grizzly SUV and Fastback will be larger than the existing Grande Panda, aimed at C-Segment rivals

Fiat has revealed the first images of its Grizzly SUV and Grizzly Fastback coupe, due to be launched later this year.

Set to become the largest models in the Fiat range, the Grizzly name is a deliberate play on the classic Panda lineage.

Being larger than the Fiat Grande Panda elevates the Grizzly into the C-SUV segment, pitching it against popular family SUVs such as the Dacia Bigster.

The Grizzly Fastback is the arguably more stylish coupe variant, with a design that has hints of Peugeot 3008 in its sleeker silhouette.

In order to make the Grizzly competitive in this hard-fought marketplace, Fiat says its new model will cost from around £25,000.

Bearing down on the SUV market

Fiat will build the Grizzly twins on the Stellantis ‘Smart Car Platform’ (SMP). This is already used by various other vehicles across the group’s brands, including the Citroen C3 Aircross and reborn Vauxhall Frontera.

The SMP also allows for a host of different powertrain options. As a result, we expect the Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback to be available in petrol, hybrid and fully electric guises.

Both Grizzly models measure less than 4.5 metres in length, but Fiat says that versatility is central to their appeal. The pair ‘set a new benchmark in practicality, offering exceptional interior space and a best-in-class boot capacity’, claims the official press release.

Bringing families back to Fiat

Olivier Francois, CEO of Fiat, commented: “Grande Panda marked the return of Fiat to affordable family movers. With Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback, we’re completing this lineup with two vehicles designed around different needs, different lifestyles, but sharing the same idea: smart, accessible and rooted in Fiat’s design DNA.

“Together, they bring Fiat back at the heart of the family mobility market with a complete and coherent lineup”.

Fiat plans to launch the Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback in the second half of 2026, with a focus on sales in Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

Stellantis is also expected to launch versions of the Grizzly SUV and Fastback in North America, following a recent update to investors. The Stateside models will likely be sold under the Chrysler brand, and be known as the Arrow and Arrow Cross.

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Car MOT failure costs rocket to record levels

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John Redfern

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June 4, 2026

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Getting your car through its MOT test could be expensive, with the price of repairs said to have spiralled in recent years.

New research reveals that, even as MOT pass rates are increasing, the average cost to fix vehicles that fail the test has risen dramatically.

The analysis comes from car service booking platform BookMyGarage, which analysed thousands of invoices for cars tested at its partner garages across the UK.

BookMyGarage checked invoices from 2022 to 2025, covering full calendar years, allowing it to track the upward trend in the cost of MOT repairs.

For cars that fail their MOT when tested, owners can now expect to pay up to 70 percent more than they would have in 2022.

Failure rates down, but costs are up

According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the overall failure rate for MOT tests currently stands at 28.1 percent. Just over a decade ago, in 2013-2014, two fifths (40 percent) of vehicles failed their annual inspection.

Motorists retaining their cars for longer, in part due to cost-of-living concerns, is one potential contributor to the rising cost of MOT repairs.

The average age of Britain’s 36 million cars now stands at just over nine years, exposing drivers to growing repair bills. BookMyGarage’s own data found that 49 percent of MOT bookings made on their platform resulted in advised or mandatory repairs for the oldest cars.

The research also uncovered that the average bill for failed MOT fixes has climbed to £425 for cars in the 6-8 year age bracket.

Even for cars as young as 3-5 years, the average repair cost is now £332. This includes the MOT test itself, which is capped at £54.85.

Older cars are potentially a factor

One nationwide garage chain now has an average MOT invoice of £227: a 70 percent rise since 2022.

At smaller regional garage networks, which may focus on older vehicles, the typical cost of an MOT needing extra repairs has jumped from £122 in 2023 to £183 in 2025: a 50 percent increase.

Karen Rotberg, co-founder of BookMyGarage, said: “Repairs are not optional after an MOT failure, so many of Britain’s motorists are caught in an inflationary spiral that shows no sign of easing.

“With more drivers holding onto their cars for longer, garages are inevitably seeing more vehicles reach the stage where parts naturally wear out.

“Most people don’t know exactly what their car needs and that’s where transparency is key. Our advice is to carefully compare trusted local garages, understand their pricing and read real reviews before making a choice.”

Has your car ever failed its MOT, and how much did you spend in fixing it? Let us know in the comments

New Audi Drive Experience includes laps of Silverstone in an RS3

By

John Redfern

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June 3, 2026

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The Audi RS3 Sportback boasts a 400hp version of the marque’s famous 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine

Audi enthusiasts who want to emulate the marque’s Formula 1 drivers can now take to the track at Silverstone.

The relaunched Audi Drive Experience allows fans to get behind the wheel of a 400hp Audi RS3 Sportback, tackling hot laps around the ‘Home of British Motorsport’.

Audi’s is the only UK driving experience hosted at a current Formula 1 circuit. The British Grand Prix will take place at Silverstone later this month.

Announcing the new Audi Drive Experience is the first element in a three-year deal between the German manufacturer and Silverstone.

This saw Audi appointed as ‘Official Car Partner’ of the Northamptonshire circuit, which means it will supply safety cars for a number of race events.

Audi and Silverstone work together

Audi’s new partnership with Silverstone comes a few months after the marque joined the Formula 1 grid with its new Audi Revolut F1 team.

Although the RS3 hot hatch lacks the ultimate power and pace of the cars driven by Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi says it will deliver ‘explosive acceleration, precise handling and Quattro performance’.

Those taking part in the Audi Drive Experience will be at Silverstone for 90 minutes, and receive one-to-one instruction from an ARDS-qualified instructor.

They will then enjoy two four-lap sessions around the two-mile International circuit, along with a pair of demonstration laps in an Audi RS course car.

Experience Audi performance on-track

Priced from £239, the Audi Drive Experience is available to book now, and open to drivers aged over 18 with a full UK manual driving licence.

Hannah Grosvenor, sales director at Silverstone, said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch the Audi Experience at Silverstone. This is a fantastic opportunity for fans to experience Audi’s performance credentials first-hand, taking on a world-class circuit in the RS3 Sportback.

“Our partnership with Audi is built around creating memorable experiences, and this new product is a brilliant example of how we’re bringing that to life for our customers.”

José Miguel Aparicio, managing director of Audi UK added: “The new Audi Drive Experience allows fans and customers to experience true Audi performance and passion first-hand, and there is no better place to demonstrate this than at the Home of British Motorsport.”

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Citroen and Peugeot electric vans now cost the same as diesels

By

John Redfern

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June 3, 2026

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Aimed at business fleet users, a Citroen e-Berlingo Van now comes with a contract hire price of £315 per month without VAT

Business users can now choose an electric Citroen or Peugeot van without having to pay extra for the privilege.

The two French manufacturers, both part of the Stellantis conglomerate, have launched a series of finance offers across their light commercial vehicle (LCV) ranges, aimed at ensuring cost parity between electric and diesel vans.

The incentives are designed to rule out monthly finance costs as a reason to avoid switching to an electric van, removing the financial penalty for choosing one over a diesel-powered LCV.

Both Citroen and Peugeot offer various funding options for their electric van ranges, including conditional sale, finance lease and business contract hire via Stellantis Financial Services.

The models within the business finance offer include the compact Citroen e-Berlingo and Peugeot E-Partner vans, both of which are manufactured at Ellesmere Port in the UK.

British-built electric vans included

Peugeot Citroen Electric Vans Cost Parity

For Citroen, the e‑Berlingo and e‑Dispatch vans are covered by the monthly price parity offers, giving business users a choice between two of the marque’s most popular LCVs .

Peugeot has also included the sister E-Partner and E-Expert models in its new finance offers, along with the larger E-Boxer van.

Citroen highlights that the e-Berlingo is now available via business contract hire for £315 per month excluding VAT, with an initial upfront cost of £1,890.

This 36-month contract includes an allowance of 10,000 miles per year, and comes with a free home EV charging device. There is no penalty for choosing the Peugeot-badged E-Partner, which costs exactly the same.

‘Making electrification more accessible’

Nicola Dobson, managing director at Peugeot UK, said: “Price parity represents an important step forward for fleet electrification. By removing the upfront monthly cost barrier, we’re enabling businesses to switch to electric vans while strengthening their total cost position from day one.

“With our fully electric LCV range and dedicated fleet support, Peugeot is ready to help national operators transition at scale.”

Greg Taylor, managing Director at Citroen UK, added: “Small businesses are at the heart of the Citroen brand, and we understand that cost is the deciding factor for many when considering electric.

“By bringing electric vans in line with diesel on monthly price, we’re making electrification more accessible and realistic for SMEs. Combined with lower running costs, it means going electric now makes strong business sense.”

The electric LCV market has been turbulent in recent months, although figures for April 2026 from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a 44.7 percent increase in registrations versus the same month in 2025.

Even so, electric vans only account for 9.4 percent of the LCV market so far in 2026 – well below the UK Government-mandated figure of 24 percent.

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VW Golf-sized Leapmotor B05 electric hatchback to cost £28,995

By

Richard Aucock

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June 3, 2026

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Chinese new entrant Leapmotor is expanding into the family hatchback class for the first time with its all-electric B05, a Volkswagen Golf-sized model, set to cost £28,995 when it goes on sale in the summer.

This is with the firm’s £1,500 Leap-Grant included; as it’s built in China and ineligible for the government’s Electric Car Grant, Leapmotor is funding its own grant.

Company car driver tax bills will be based on the pre-grant price of £31,495 – but as it’s an EV with a Benefit-in-Kind rating of just 4% for the 2026/27 financial year, they will still save.

The consumer offer is nice and simple, with just the single Leapmotor B05 variant on sale. Colour is the only choice to make: there are five to pick from – Lightning Yellow, Starry Night Blye, Windy Grey, Metallic Black and Galaxy Silver.

There’s a choice of two interior colours too, either Light Grey or Shadow Grey, both as no-cost options.

300-mile range

Compared to established electric hatchbacks such as the Vauxhall Astra Electric and Peugeot e-308, the Leapmotor B05 has an appealing WLTP range of up to 300 miles.

Cracking the 300-mile mark is an important hurdle – and the 67.1kWh battery will charge up quickly too, thanks to a swift 178kW DC rapid-charge maximum.

It promises charges from 30-80% in just 17 minutes.

The Leapmotor B05 has a 215hp electric motor driving the rear wheels. Performance is pretty decent, with 0-62mph in just 6.7 seconds.

This is aided by standard launch control, a feature normally reserved for full-fat hot hatches, and the B05 has sports car-like 50:50 weight distribution.

Bosses say the multi-link rear suspension has been tuned for European roads, and 19-inch wheels promise plenty of traction.

Generous standard spec

The Leapmotor B05’s single spec is all-inclusive, with a 14.6-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, climate control, wireless smartphone charging, electric heated front seats, 360 surround view camera and 12-speaker stereo.

The 345-litre boot isn’t quite Golf-sized, but it does expand to 1,400 litres with the rear seats folded.

The Leapmotor B05 goes on sale in July at the firm’s 79 UK dealers, with first deliveries expected in December.

Like all Leapmotor, adds UK MD Damien Dally, it comes with a four-year, 60,000-mile warranty.

“We’ve made great strides since we launched our brand just over a year ago and the B05 is proof that our exciting journey shows no signs of slowing down.”

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Electric Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II gains more power and longer range

By

John Redfern

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June 2, 2026

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In Black Badge form, the Spectre Series II will be the most powerful production Rolls-Royce in history, with 670 horsepower on offer

Rolls-Royce has revealed an updated version of its electric Spectre, less than three years after the original car was launched.

Last year, the Spectre retained its position as the British marque’s second best-selling vehicle globally. Enhancements for the Series II version are likely to further its appeal.

An improvement in battery range is perhaps the biggest benefit for Spectre Series II owners, along with reduced charging times.

However, the promise of even more power for the Black Badge performance model – already the most powerful production Rolls-Royce – will certainly not go unnoticed.

Spectre range improved by 18 percent

The typical Rolls-Royce Spectre owner will have access to at least six other cars, including another Rolls-Royce. Nonetheless, the marque says its clients still cover an average of 4,000 miles each year in the Spectre – and this mileage is accrued primarily for driving pleasure.

As a result, boosting the battery range of Spectre Series II by 18 percent, for an official WLTP-tested figure of 390 miles, should make a useful difference to owners.

Replenishing the batteries of the Spectre Series II is also quicker, with charging times reduced by 14 percent.

Introducing the Spectre Series II, Chris Brownridge, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “This refinement of a modern masterpiece is made in the spirit of our co-founder, Sir Henry Royce who said: ‘Small things make perfection, but perfection is no small thing.'”

To Infinity and beyond

The dual-motor electric drivetrain of the Rolls-Royce Spectre already endowed the luxury coupe with ample power, but the Series II model goes further.

In standard form, the Spectre Series II now generates 749lb ft of torque, up from 664lb ft previously. Pressing the ‘Infinity’ button – Rolls-Royce’s equivalent of a Sport mode – ups this figure to a colossal 811lb ft.

The Spectre Series II Black Badge cements its position as the most-powerful Rolls-Royce in history, with 593hp in normal driving and 671hp in Infinity mode. Peak torque matches the regular Spectre Series II.

Endless choices for customisation

Spectre owners have developed a penchant for bespoke finishes, and Rolls-Royce plans to further indulge this desire for personalisation.

As a result, the palette of colours, fabrics and finishes for the Spectre Series II’s cabin has been significantly expanded.

Amongst these is Duality Twill, a rayon fabric made from bamboo. It requires around 2.6 million stitches and 10 miles of thread to complete the Spectre’s upholstery.

There is also the option of a new high-gloss Brindled Walnut veneer trim, which combines walnut sourced from non-fruiting trees with residual eucalyptus fibres. A tiger stripe pattern is sealed with a lacquer infused with a fine powder of glass flakes.

Rolls-Royce has also updated the Spectre’s full-width digital dashboard, enhancing the central timepiece with its Spirit of Ecstasy figurine.

New paint and Iced Black detailing

A new 23-inch forged alloy wheel design helps mark out the revised Spectre Series II. Each wheel requires six hours of polishing by hand to achieve a flawless finish.

Rolls-Royce has also created a new solid exterior paint colour, named Ethereal Blue, for Spectre Series II.

Black Badge buyers can add a new Iced Black exterior detailing package, which replaces almost all of the exterior brightwork with a matte black finish. This can even be extended to the alloy wheels.

Customers can commission a new Spectre Series II through Rolls-Royce’s authorised dealer partners now.

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Celebrate 40 years of the BMW M3 with this new Lego model

By

John Redfern

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June 2, 2026

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The Lego Speed Champions BMW E30 M3 can be pre-ordered now, with deliveries to begin in August 2026

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the legendary E30-generation BMW M3 – and now there is a Lego version to help celebrate.

Given the huge prices demanded for quality examples of the original M3, opting for a smaller, brick-based model should be a much more affordable decision.

Creating the new Lego Speed Champions M3 has been the product of a collaboration between BMW and the Danish toy brand.

It marks the first time the two companies have directly worked together to design a new model, with teams from both responsible for the unique livery applied to the Lego M3.

A retro icon in miniature

To best demonstrate the new livery, BMW has also applied it to a full-size E30 M3, which has been used to help launch the Lego model.

Measuring some 17cm in length, and formed from 358 different pieces, the Lego M3 is aimed at enthusiasts aged nine years and older.

Yellow headlights are a deliberate nod to the legendary racing versions of the M3, which dominated touring car competitions during the late 1980s.

On the inside, the Lego E30 M3 features seats and a steering wheel, ensuring plenty of detail in a compact model.

Included with the kit is a Lego minifigure, wearing a BMW M-branded 40th anniversary T-shirt, which has also been influenced by the new livery design.

To further the connection, the special T-shirt will be available to buy (in human sizes) from the BMW M Lifestyle shop later this year.

Order now for August delivery

BMW and Lego will officially launch the new E30 M3 model on 1 August 2026, with a celebratory public event in Berlin.

Enthusiasts will be able to experience the BMW M3 E30 showcar with the co-created livery, among many other planned highlights.

The Lego BMW E30 M3 model can be pre-ordered now through the official Lego website, priced at £22.99 in the UK. Pre-order deliveries of the miniature M3 will begin on 1 August.

Alternatively, BMW dealerships will also offer the model for sale, along with the matching t-shirt.

The E30 M3 represents the latest Lego BMW model, with previous offerings including a Technic version of the M4 GT3 Evo, along with a detailed replica of the M 1000 RR superbike.

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BYD will pay up if your self-driving car crashes itself

By

John Redfern

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June 1, 2026

0

BYD claims it is the world’s first car manufacturer to offer full liability coverage for its autonomous driving software

BYD has announced it will pay for damages caused, should one of its cars crash while using autonomous driving technology.

The question of who is liable for collisions involving vehicles in ‘self-driving’ modes is one of the biggest challenges for car companies when introducing autonomous functions.

With such a public vote of confidence in its own software, BYD becomes the world’s first carmaker to openly declare it will pick up the bill for crash damage, personal injury payouts and legal fees, should its autonomous technology be at fault.

For now, the offer of ‘full damage coverage’ only applies to vehicles in the company’s home Chinese market, and lasts for one year.

After that period, drivers will seemingly be on their own when it comes to any tech-related collisions.

Putting financial faith in technology

BYD’s autonomous technology is – rather ominously – known as ‘God’s Eye’ in the Chinese market. The full damage offer applies to those who upgrade to the latest version 5.0 of the software.

The guarantee covers drivers when making use of the God’s Eye Intelligent Parking assistance. This is classed as ‘Level 4’ autonomous driving software, and allows the BYD to park itself without the driver touching the steering wheel.

An automated valet parking mode even allows the driver to exit the vehicle, so the car can find a space and park itself autonomously.

The BYD coverage also applies to vehicles using its Urban Navigate on Autopilot (NOA) function, where the car makes its way through stop-and-go traffic, along with handling traffic lights and junctions.

Global real-world data analysis

According to BYD, the confidence in its technology comes from the sheer amount of driving data the company has collected. More than 3.15 million vehicles across the world use versions of its intelligent driving software.

This extends to a staggering 124 million miles driven every day by cars featuring God’s Eye technology. This supplies an almost endless source for BYD’s 5,000-strong team of development engineers to work on.

The backdrop to BYD backing its autonomous technology was the launch of its own purpose-made driving computer chip. Known as the Xuanji A3, it has been designed to support Level 3 and Level 4 self-driving capabilities.

At present, BYD does not have immediate plans to launch its full self-driving technology in the UK. Current government regulations limit vehicles to Level 2 autonomous functions for domestic use, although exemptions are available for specific research trials.

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Birmingham City Council fines itself £472,000 over Clean Air Zone

By

John Redfern

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June 1, 2026

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First introduced in June 2021, the Birmingham Clean Air Zone charges up to £50 for vehicles that do not meet its requirements

Birmingham City Council has issued fines totalling more than £470,000 to itself. The penalties are for breaching the rules of the city’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ), introduced in 2021.

Reporting by BBC News Midlands Investigates, and made available through its Shared Data Unit, uncovered the scale of non-compliance by the council with its own CAZ.

Since the Birmingham CAZ entered operation, council-owned vehicles have triggered 3,262 daily charges for entering the emissions-controlled zone.

This has resulted in total fines issued by Birmingham City Council to itself for a staggering £472,253.

As the BBC notes, this figure is ‘around 20 times the number paid by any other UK council running a CAZ, Low Emission Zone (LEZ) or Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)‘ where data is available.

Money paid in fines does not go back into the council’s general funds, but must go towards operational costs and government charges.

Birmingham racks up CAZ fines

The Birmingham CAZ covers the main area of the city centre inside the A4540 Middleway, but does not incorporate the Middleway itself.

It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year, and is classified as a ‘Category D’ CAZ.

This means the Birmingham CAZ applies to cars, buses, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles, HGVs, vans and minibuses. Vehicles which do not meet Euro 4 exhaust emissions regulations for petrol engines, or the Euro 6 rules for diesels, have to pay a daily charge.

The cost for cars, taxis and light goods vehicles (small vans) is £8 per day. For heavy goods vehicles and coaches, the charge is £50 per day – unless a valid exemption is in place.

Failure to pay results in a fixed penalty notice of £120, which is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

The BBC made use of the Environmental Information Regulations to establish the total cost of fines Birmingham City Council had paid since the CAZ went into operation.

However, this figure could not be broken down to demonstrate if it also included fines for late payment.

Non-compliant vehicles still on-fleet

Although Birmingham City Council has the ability to exempt certain vehicles from having to pay the CAZ, it noted that there were no exemptions ‘specifically for council vehicles or those used by its contractors’.

Figures supplied stated that one-in-eight vehicles used by the council still do not comply with the CAZ rules, despite the scheme being launched five years ago.

A council spokesperson told the BBC “only 142 (12 percent) of the 1,170 council-owned vehicles in its fleet, as of 31 March 2026, remained non-compliant with the CAZ requirements.”

The spokesperson added that a “large number of these vehicles were minibuses related to social services and education provision”, and that the council was now looking “to fast-track transition to a modernised, low emission fleet… driving efficiency, economy, safety and sustainability.”

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