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Do low emission zone charges apply to all cars?

14.01.26 |10 min

Do low emission zone charges apply to all cars?

We’ve all experienced that moment of panic as you enter a city, with big signs about clean zones and charges - is my vehicle compliant? Will I be charged? Fortunately, when you’re driving a new Honda you needn’t fear as all new Hondas meet current clean air restrictions. But what happens if you’re driving an older vehicle? Let’s take a quick look at the main rules and restrictions concerning low emission zones.

Across the UK, more towns and cities than ever are on a mission to clean up the quality of their air, with many councils restricting high-emission vehicles – usually older diesel cars and heavy-duty vehicles – by either banning them or charging fees to limit their use within certain built-up areas.

What is a clean air zone?

Clean Air Zones, sometimes abbreviated to CAZ, are similar to Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and the terms are used interchangeably. They are often set up in areas where air pollution is high, sometimes exceeding European legal limits.

To avoid being charged to enter a clean air zone, vehicles must meet certain emissions criteria - Euro 6 for diesels, and Euro 4 for petrol engines. The same criteria also apply to hybrids, whilst EVs are exempt as they produce zero tailpipe emissions. The good news is that all new Hondas, whether hybrid or fully electric, meet clean air and low emission zone criteria, so there’s nothing to pay.

To help drivers prepare for clean air zones, the Government website lets you check to see if your vehicle will be subject to a daily charge in any of the cities which have a CAZ. Just enter your numberplate and it will advise if your vehicle is compliant.

What is an ultra-low emission zone?

The Ultra Low Emission Zone, or ULEZ, is London’s version of the clean air zone. Operating 24-hours a day, 7-days a week (apart from Christmas Day), the ULEZ operates across all London boroughs and the City of London. You can check to see the exact areas on the Transport for London (TfL) interactive map.

How much is the ULEZ charge?

Unless your car meets the emissions requirements, you’ll be charged £12.50 per day for driving in the ULEZ. Petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles which meet these standards are exempt, as are all EVs. Naturally there are a few exceptions and these can be found on the Transport for London website.

Some of the vehicles which are exempt from low emission zones

Electric vehicles

Are exempt from Low Emission Zone charges.
Hybrids

That use a petrol engine must comply with Euro 4 regulations to avoid fees, while diesel hybrids must meet Euro 6 standards to travel within these zones.
Historic vehicles

Built before 1 January 1973 may not conform to the European emission standards but are exempt.

Where are the low emission zones in the UK?

More cities are introducing clean air or low emission zones to reduce pollution.

Aberdeen
Bath
Birmingham
Bradford
Bristol
Dundee
Edinburgh
Glasgow
London
Portsmouth
Sheffield
Tyneside - Newcastle and Gateshead

Zero Emission Zones

Other cities, such as Oxford, are introducing zero emission zones (ZEZ) which have different rules again. It’s best to visit the specific city website to make sure your vehicle is compliant as the rules, particularly in Scotland, vary to England. Scottish LEZ for example do not allow non-compliant vehicles to enter at any time; and there is no option to pay a daily charge. Instead, drivers who enter the LEZ in a non-compliant vehicle must pay a penalty of £60 a day. For information about low emission zones in England visit Transport for London, or for Scotland.

London LEZ and ULEZ

The LEZ covers most of Greater London and is in operation 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It applies mainly to heavy diesel vehicles such as lorries, buses, and coaches.

Charges range from £100 to £300 per day depending on the vehicle’s emission standard, and penalties apply if payment is not made.

The ULEZ now covers all areas of Greater London, not just central London. It operates all day, every day, year-round, with the exception of Christmas Day. The charge is £12.50 per day for cars, motorcycles, and vans that do not meet the required emission standards (Euro 4 for petrol, Euro 6 for diesel).

Penalty charges are £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.

Glasgow low emission zone

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 / High Street to the East.

Glasgow’s LEZ was introduced in phases to give everyone time to prepare. Phase 1, applying to buses, began in December 2018. Phase 2, covering all other vehicles, has been enforced since 1 June 2023.

The penalty for non‑compliance is £60 for the first breach, increasing with each subsequent violation, doubling each time until it reaches a cap (£480 for cars & light goods vehicles; £960 for buses & HGVs).

Penalties are reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days.

Birmingham Clean Air Zone

Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone covers all roads within the A4540 Middleway Ring Road, excluding the Middleway itself. It has been in operation since 1 June 2021 and runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Non‑compliant vehicles face a daily charge to operate inside the CAZ:

£8 per day for cars, taxis, and light goods vehicles (LGVs) and £50 per day for coaches, buses, and HGVs.

Bath Clean Air Zone

The Bath Clean Air Zone covers most of the city centre, stretching to Widcombe 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. Failure to pay the charge results in a £120 penalty, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

The CAZ applies to taxis, private hire vehicles, light goods vehicles (LGVs), buses, coaches, and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Private cars and motorcycles are not charged, regardless of compliance.

Daily charges are £9 for taxis and LGVs, and £100 for buses, coaches, and HGVs.

European low emission zones

If you’re planning a trip to Europe you’ll probably notice LEZs in most of the major cities, so it’s a good idea to do your homework and find the latest information before driving in Europe as the rules are different to the UK. Many countries operate ’environmental zones’, with hundreds of cities and towns having schemes in place. Just like in the UK, an LEZ in Europe means certain vehicles may be restricted or charged for driving into these areas.

So, there you have it. If you’re worried about being charged for entering a low emission zone, check if your vehicle conforms to the relevant Euro emission standards using the below links:

Check compliance for towns and cities in England

Check compliance for towns and cities in Scotland

Images: Adobe Stock