Birmingham - Clean Air Zone charges

[custardbear]

Visited Birmingham a few weeks ago for a day, we were going to an event with a bunch of children (ours and friends) so took 2 cars. Don't know Birmingham as it's not near us. This week we had a letter each through the post telling us we hadn't paid our emissions charges as our cars were identified in that zone where charges were relevant. Neither me or DH saw any signs and had no idea there were charges. So now we have to pay £60 fine

Are there signs in Brum that we missed?
Anyone else been caught like this?
I have emailed to explain but doubt it'll help, ignorance isn't an excuse, but still, my Halfords crystal ball must have been faulty ... must update it 🙄

Yes, there are warning signs ahead of the zone and then there are signs as you are about to enter the zone.
Which direction did you enter the City from?

If you went back the same route you've got more letters to come for the return journey. Might be worth seeing if you can do anything about those.

Yes, there are signs on the m6, and on the a38 before you enter the zone. Don’t know about other routes but I imagine they’re similar.

There are signs everywhere. I'm not sure how you both managed to miss them!

They might still be allowing thegrace period whereby, for a short while, they will let you with with just paying the fee (I think £8 per day) rather than the fine.

This was when the CAZ fines were first introduced but it might still begoing on. Have a good read of your letter.

I think that was just in June @HumunaHey

There was a thread a while ago where everyone was told there were signs. I didn’t know about it either.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/4328826-Who-knew-you-had-to-pay-to-drive-in-Birmingham?pg=

Obviously you can't be expected to know about all the congestion zones everywhere, that's why there are loads of fucking obvious signs.

Does no-one pay any attention while they are driving any more?

There are tons of signs. I don't know how you missed them to be honest.

Many of those signs have just a symbol and web address though and they don't show what the charges are. The M6 Toll signs, for example, very clearly tell you what the charges are before you join it.

Correction - the signs just say "pay online" and don't give a web address.

I would be concerned if the vast majority of people weren't able to google 'Birmingham clean air charges' after seeing one of those signs though, or knew someone to ask for help. Even if it had the web address no one would be taking note of it whilst driving.

Anyone who misses the signs should have to re-take their driving test because they're not observant enough to be driving IMO.

If I could be bothered I’d drive into Birmingham and check the signs out just to see.
But it’s a bit too far.

Yes there are lots and lots of signs - I travel in on the M6 then Aston Distressway ! Luckily I have a hybrid so didn't have to pay.

Is this the thing that was on joe lycett a few episodes back?

There really are loads of signs, they definitely won’t waive the fine on the basis that nobody across two cars spotted one - it is a shame for you but I honestly don’t know how you missed them!

There are millions of signs and it's really difficult to avoid!

ugh dont get me started.
We recieved 2 fines Day 1 arriving, stayed overnight, day 2 return. so £120 if paid early.
We live about 40 mins away from Birmingham and had no idea about the zone, or see any signs (confused why Birmingham think people would pruposely try and get away with it for £8 a day?)

Appealed to say we didnt see any signage, not from the area, idnt see anything locally or nationally about it being introduced - will happily pay the £8 per day as actually think the zones are a good idea but paying £120 because their signs are shit is a no.

Appeal got rejected, had to pay the full £240 worth of fines.Vowed never to return to the shit hole again