Across the UK, more cities than ever are on a mission to clean their air. Councils aim to cut local pollution by restricting high-emission vehicles – usually older diesel car and heavy-duty vehicles – by either banning them or charging fees to limit their use.
Clean Air Zones are similar to Low Emission Zones. These were set up in areas where air pollution exceeds the European legal limit.
Vehicles that don’t meet the Euro 6 emission standards (old diesels, for example) are the most affected as they produce high levels of pollutants.
To help you prepare for driving in Clean Air Zones, the Government’s Joint Air Quality Unit have created an online vehicle checker. Here, you can find out if you need to pay for your vehicle and pay the daily charge.
The Ultra-Low Emission Zone, or ULEZ, is currently only found in London. Operating 24-hours a day, 7-days a week (apart from Christmas Day), the Ultra-Low Emission Zone covers everywhere between the North and South Circular Roads.
Unless your vehicle meets the emissions requirements, you’ll be charged £12.50 for entering the ULEZ. Hybrids and electric vehicles which meet these standards don’t have to pay the fee. This is a small number of exceptions to this charge.
LEZ, ULEZ and Clean Air Zones span many cities across the UK:
The LEZ covers most of Greater London and is in operation 24 hours a day, every day of the year, while the ULEZ is only in place in central London. The ULEZ is also in operation all-day-every-day year-round, with the exception of Christmas Day.
The ULEZ covers all areas inside the North and South Circular Roads. There is a charge of £12.50 if your vehicle does not meet the ULEZ emission standards and penalty fines between £160-£500.
The Glasgow LEZ scheme operates year-round, all-day-every-day. It covers most of the city centre up to the M8 in the North and West, the River Clyde to the South and Saltmarket to the East.
Glasgow’s LEZ is being introduced gradually, to give everyone the opportunity to prepare. Phase one which applies to busses, was introduced in December 2018. Phase 2 is to be enforced from 1st June 2023 which will apply to all vehicles.
The penalty for non-compliance is £60 and will double with each breach of the rules up to a cap, depending on the vehicle type.
Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone covers all roads within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road but excludes the Middleway itself. It has been in operation since June 1 st 2021 and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Non-compliant vehicles will face a charge to operate inside the Birmingham CAZ. These charges are £8 for cars, taxis and LGVs, and £50 for coaches, buses, and HGVs.
The Bath Clean Air Zone covers most of the city centre up to Wildcombe in the South, Lansdown in the North, Lower Weston in the West, and Bathwick in the East.
Charges apply seven days a week, 365 days a year, 24-hours a day. Failing to adhere to the zones restrictions, rules, and charges could net you a fine of £120 for every day you do not pay.
Currently, the CAZ only applies to taxis, hire vehicles, light goods vehicles, buses, coaches, and heavy goods vehicles.
Planning a trip abroad? LEZs are growing in number across Europe – so it’s a good idea to do your homework and find out the latest information before driving in a major European city.
Currently, fifteen European countries operate LEZs, with more than 200 cities and towns having schemes in place. Just like in the UK, an LEZ in Europe means particular vehicles will be restricted from driving into these areas. They are usually well marked out by signs.
If you’re worried about being charged for entering a Low Emission Zone, check if your vehicle conforms to the correct Euro emission standards, even if you are driving a hybrid car. If your car doesn’t comply, planning a route that takes you outside of a zone, or parking outside the zone and taking public transport, might be an alternative option.
Most electric vehicles are exempt from charges.
Images: Adobe Stock
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