[6] After the London Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) was introduced in 2003, around 30 other local authorities were expected to follow suit, although most, including Birmingham, failed to bring forward firm proposals at that time.

"[9] Opponents launched a protest group, Campaign Against Birmingham Clean Air Zone Charges, in 2018, arguing the scheme would "turn the city into a ghost town".

[12] Although some businesses and local councillors called for a further postponement of the scheme during the pandemic, Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward refused, noting: "The government has made it crystal clear it will not tolerate any further delay".

[18] However, a Birmingham University study published in August 2023 found the zone had produced more "modest, but significant reductions in NO2 of up to 7.3%", but "no detectable impact in the concentrations of fine particles, PM2.5 – the air pollutant with greatest health effects".

[20] Some of the revenue raised from the scheme was earmarked for green transport projects, including car-free school streets, improvements in cycle paths, and expansion of 20mph zones.