Sales of all new diesel and petrol cars are banned from 2030. And for hybrid cars, it’s 2035. This comes from the UK Government who have pledged to help tackle greenhouse gas emissions from transport.
It’s thought the ban will help speed up the transition to electric vehicles and will support the country’s ambition to reach net-zero by 2050. It will also help to tackle air pollution in town and cities across the UK.
Over the next few years, multiple cities around the country are introducing clean air zones (CAZs) in a bid to reduce pollution and improve the quality of life for residents. However, we understand that this can be a cause for concern for some drivers, fleet owners, and businesses.
Fortunately, we’re here to help outline the upcoming changes and support you and your fleet in the best way possible.
What is a Clean Air Zone?
Clean Air Zone defines an area that will take action to improve air quality. This is typically achieved through a charge or penalty for highly polluting vehicles based on their Euro emission standards.
A CAZ can be confined to a single road or part of a city and is implemented in areas where air pollution levels are dangerous to health. The World Health Organisation estimates that poor air quality leads to over four million premature deaths each year – and when you consider that transport is the main source of air pollution in the UK, it’s easy to see why we need Clean Air Zones.
Which vehicles will be affected by the Clean Air Zones?
The level of restriction will be decided by each individual local authority and there are four classes of Clean Air Zone to apply.
1. Class A – Buses, coaches, taxis, and private hire vehicles (PHVs)
2. Class B - Buses, coaches, taxis, PHVs and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)
3. Class C - Buses, coaches, taxis, PHVs, HGVs, and light goods vehicles (LGVs)
4. Class D - Buses, coaches, taxis, PHVs, HGVs, LGVs, and cars
There are exemptions for any charges or restrictions which are as follows:
· Buses, coaches, and HGVs – that meet Euro VI emissions standard
· Cars, vans, and taxis – that meet Euro 6 (diesel) or Euro 4 (petrol) emissions standard
· Ultra-low emission vehicles with a significant zero-emission range
How much will it cost to enter a Clean Air Zone?
Not every CAZ will have a charge as this is set by the local authority and any charges will only be applicable if they are designed to reduce pollution. Once all costs of the scheme have been recovered, the local authorities are not to make any additional revenue from any charges.
How do I know if I’ll be charged for the Clean Air Zone?
On the GOV.UK website there is a vehicle checker to see if you will be charged.
Clean Air Zones in the UK
Location | CAZ Live | Charge One | Charge Two |
Bath | Live | Non-compliant vans, taxis and minibuses - £9 a day | Coaches and buses - £100 a day |
Birmingham | Live | Non-compliant cars, vans, and taxis - £8 a day | Non-compliant HGVs, buses, and coaches - £50 a day |
Bristol | June 2022 | Non-compliant private cars, taxis, and vans - £9 a day | Non-compliant buses, coaches, and HGVs - £100 a day |
London | Live | Non-compliant cars, vans, and motorcycles - £100 a day | Non-compliant buses, lorries, and coaches - £100 a day |
Manchester | May 30th 2022 | TBC | |
Bradford | 2022 | Non-compliant vehicles - £50 a day | |
Newcastle | Summer 2022 | Non-compliant taxis and vans - £12.50 a day | Non-compliant HGVs, buses, and coaches - £50 a day |
Portsmouth | Live | Non-compliant taxis and private hire vehicles - £10 a day | Non-compliant coaches and HGVs - £50 a day |
Sheffield | Late 2022 | Non-compliant taxis, private hire vehicles, vans, and LGVs above 3.5 tonnes - £10 a day | Non-compliant buses, coaches, and HGVs - £50 a day |
Details correct as of 31.01.22
For up-to-the-minute details please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-a-clean-air-zone