A WOMAN has called for changes to the Clean Air Zone penalty system after receiving eight penalty notices in just two months.
Leanne Skidmore, 35, who returned to the UK after living and working abroad, unknowingly entered the Clean Air Zones in Bradford and Sheffield eight times between May and June 2026.
She received five Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) from Bradford and three from Sheffield, all for driving a non-compliant diesel vehicle in the restricted areas.
Though she is not from the Bradford district herself, she has friends who are and regularly enjoys visiting the Yorkshire Dales.
Leanne Skidmore pictured with her diesel vehicle. (Image: T&A)
I was not aware
Ms Skidmore, who is from the Wakefield area, purchased an older diesel vehicle without realising it was not compliant with the zones.
She said: “I recently received eight Clean Air Zone Penalty Charge Notices across Bradford and Sheffield after unknowingly driving a non-compliant vehicle into both zones.
“After spending several years living and working abroad, I returned to the UK and purchased an older diesel vehicle which was taxed, insured and roadworthy.
“I was not aware at the time that it would incur charges within Clean Air Zones.”
She wishes she had been able to rectify her mistake
The notices arrived by post only after multiple journeys had been made, leaving Ms Skidmore unaware of her non-compliance until several offences had been recorded.
She said: “I was not informed or aware of how Clean Air Zone systems operate in practice, particularly that each entry is recorded automatically and enforced retrospectively through postal Penalty Charge Notices rather than any immediate notification or warning.”
Had she been notified after the first offence, Ms Skidmore said she would have taken steps to avoid further charges.
She said: “The main concern I raised in my appeal is that I received multiple Clean Air Zone Penalty Charge Notices before I had any opportunity to realise I had entered a non-compliant zone or adjust my behaviour.
“By the time the first notice arrived, several other journeys had already taken place, meaning the penalties had accumulated without any early warning or chance to correct the mistake.”
Leanne Skidmore pictured with her diesel vehicle. (Image: T&A)
Ms Skidmore claims she appealed to Bradford Council and took her case to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, which dismissed her appeal.
She said: “The appeal was dismissed on the basis that motorists are expected to comply with signage and that there were no legal grounds to overturn the penalties.”
Ms Skidmore said she did not notice any signage and questioned whether it alone is effective in preventing repeat offences, particularly when notifications are delayed.
Following the tribunal’s decision, she requested a payment arrangement, citing financial difficulties related to a recent diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis that affected her ability to work.
She told the T&A that Bradford Council refused the request.
She’s been left feeling overwhelmed
Ms Skidmore said: “This request was not agreed to, and I was informed that the Penalty Charge Notices would need to be paid at the full amount within the required timeframe, with the earlier discounted stage no longer applicable.
Signage for Bradford’s Clean Air Zone (Image: Newsquest)
“This has left me feeling overwhelmed, particularly given the number of penalties involved and the timing of their escalation following the appeal process.”
She also raised concerns about inconsistency between councils.
Sheffield Council offered a discretionary reduction on two of the notices, while Bradford applied none.
Ms Skidmore said: “This has raised questions for me about consistency in how Clean Air Zone penalties are administered across different councils.”
Leanne Skidmore pictured with her diesel vehicle. (Image: T&A)
There may be scope to improve the system
She said she is not looking to avoid responsibility but believes improvements could make the system fairer for drivers.
Ms Skidmore said: “I am not seeking to avoid responsibility or challenge Clean Air Zones themselves.
“However, I believe there may be scope to improve the system so that motorists are given a fairer opportunity to correct an honest mistake before multiple penalties accumulate.
“For example, clearer early notification when a vehicle enters a zone, a warning after the first contravention before further penalties are issued, or clearer information at the point of vehicle purchase or registration about Clean Air Zone compliance.”
How the Bradford Council responded
A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “While we cannot comment on individual cases, we can provide the following general information.
“As with many traffic-related offences and charges, the registered keeper of a vehicle, as recorded by the DVLA, is legally responsible for ensuring any applicable charges are paid and for observing road signs when driving.
“There are more than 3,000 Clean Air Zone signs across the district. These signs are installed in line with national highway standards and are designed to clearly notify drivers when they are approaching or entering a Clean Air Zone where a charge may apply, depending on the vehicle’s type and emissions classification.
“The framework and guidance for Clean Air Zones were established nationally by central government and the DVLA. We strongly encourage drivers to check whether their vehicle is compliant before travelling by using the Government’s online vehicle checker at www.gov.uk/clean-air-zones.
“Charges can be paid up to six days before travel, on the day of travel, or up to six days after entering the zone.
“Anyone who is unsure about any aspect of the Clean Air Zone can contact our team on 01274 435533 for advice relating to their individual circumstances. We are always happy to help and provide factual guidance where we can.”
What Sheffield Council had to say
A spokesperson for Sheffield Council said: “Sheffield’s Clean Air Zone began operating on 27th February 2023, the required signage informing motorists that they are entering and exiting the zone has been place throughout the area since before charging began.
“The Clean Air Zone incudes the A61 Inner Ring Road and the City Centre. The requirements and design of signs for Clean Air Zones nationally have been approved by the Department of Transport.
“The Clean Air Zone signs inform drivers that they are entering a Clean Air Zone and that charges apply and to pay online. The onus is then on the driver to check the HM Government website to see if they are liable for a daily charge.
“Local Authorities operating Clean Air Zones rely on the DVLA’s records to identify the owner of a vehicle, these are only shared if a daily charge has not been paid and a contravention has taken place. As motorists have 6 days after the date of entry to the zone to make payment, we cannot request the owners details until this time has passed as it is only at this point a contravention has occurred. As such it is not possible for us to contact motorists within this window to alert them that they have entered the zone.
“Since the introduction of the Sheffield Clean Air Zone, the number of the worst polluting vehicles driving in Sheffield has fallen as people make the transition to cleaner, greener vehicles.
“Most recent data shows that roadside pollution within the zone has decreased by 27-percent since it’s introduction in February 2023.
“We are aware that some motorists may receive multiple PCNs before becoming aware of the restrictions. Options to appeal are explained. We assess every appeal on its own merits and may exercise discretion where appropriate, in line with our policy. We are satisfied that discretion has been fairly applied in this case. The regulations allow adjudicators at to consider appeals on certain grounds, but not mitigation. Councils may have different enforcement policies. Mitigation and payment arrangement requests would need to be directed to the relevant council.”
Do you have strong feelings on the CAZ or a penalty notice you’ve received recently? Contact freya.thomson@newsquest.co.uk