Navigating Low Emission and Clean Air Zones: A Guide for UK Drivers
Ahead of the UK’s 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars, more people are making the switch to electric cars early. Not only are they cheaper to run, but they are also exempt from Low Emission Zone and Clean Air Zone charges.
But what exactly are these zones and what do they mean for non-electric cars? Read on to find out everything you need to know.
What are Low Emission and Clean Air Zones?
Low Emission Zones (LEZ) were first introduced in London in 2008 and are now becoming more common across the UK.
They can typically be found within cities, where air pollution is at its worst. London was the UK’s most polluted city and one of the worst in Europe before LEZs were brought in.
These areas have strict emissions criteria for the vehicles that can travel through them. If vehicles don’t meet the criteria, they will have to pay a daily charge to enter. Otherwise, they could face a penalty charge, which can be hundreds of pounds.
Automatic Number Plate Detection (ANPD) is used to check car registration plates against their database. Which will in turn reveal if the vehicle meets the emissions standards.
Research in 2023 by the University of Bath revealed that London’s LEZ has helped to lower long-term health problems by 4.5%. It has also contributed to an 8% reduction in respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis.
Where are Low Emission and Clean Air Zones in the UK?
Low Emission Zones (LEZ)
Currently, Low Emission Zones and Ultra-Low Emission Zones are enforceable in London. It’s important to know the difference between the two if you regularly drive through these areas.
Low Emission Zones cover most roads within Greater London. They are in force 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Ultra-Low Emission Zones (ULEZ)
The capital’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone now covers all London boroughs. The zone operates 24 hours a day, all year round (excluding Christmas Day).
Clean Air Zones (CAZ)
Seven UK cities are currently enforcing Clean Air Zones. These include:
- Bath
- Birmingham
- Bradford
- Bristol
- Portsmouth
- Sheffield
- Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead
The zones are in force 24 hours a day, all year round.
Rules and regulations for driving in these zones
The regulations for Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and Clean Air Zones (CAZ) vary depending on the city.
Currently, there are four types of Clean Air Zones, Class A to D, which cover different vehicle types.
- Class A - buses, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles
- Class B - buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles and heavy goods vehicles
- Class C - buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, and minibuses.
- Class D - buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses, and cars. (The local authority also has the right to include motorcycles).
You can visit the government’s website to find out the class of a city’s Clean Air Zone.
Each vehicle must meet a certain emissions standard to be able to drive through these areas:
- Buses, coaches, and heavy goods vehicles – Euro VI
- Vans, minibuses, taxis, private hire vehicles, and cars – Euro 6 (diesel) or Euro 4 (petrol)
- Motorcycles (Euro 3)
Check your vehicle log book to find out your vehicle’s emission standard.
Tips on how to comply and avoid penalty charges
Check before you drive
If you are heading to a new city that you aren’t familiar with, you can use the government’s website to check if Low Emission and Clean Air Zones (CAZ) are in force.
You can also enter your vehicle’s registration and see if it complies with the zone’s standards.
To check if your vehicle is compliant in these zones, visit the TFL website.
Use your sat nav
Google Maps can alert you about any upcoming Low Emission or Clean Air Zones. Simply enter your destination and a warning below the map will appear if it is within an LEZ. It can also recommend routes to help you avoid driving through them.
Garmin also announced a new feature that will be available in 2024 to set up an ‘avoid tolls’ function on their sat nav products.
Use public transport
If you don’t need to drive, using public transport removes the worry of finding yourself in a Low Emission or Clean Air Zone without realising.
See if your vehicle is exempt
As well as vehicles that comply with the emission standards, certain vehicles are also exempt from charges.
These include:
- Disabled passenger tax class vehicles
- Disabled tax class vehicles
- Military vehicles
- Historic vehicles
- Vehicles retrofitted with technology accredited by the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS)
- Certain types of agricultural vehicles
Upgrade your car at Vertu Motors
At Vertu Motors, we can help you future-proof your car ahead of more Low Emission and Clean Air Zones (CAZ) being introduced.
View our wide range of electric cars, from leading manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Honda, Kia, MINI, and Toyota.
We can also introduce you to our car finance packages. Find out which one is right for you – Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Personal Contract Hire (PCH), or Hire Purchase (HP).
Contact us today to begin your new car journey.