Cities across the UK are introducing clean air zones (CAZs) in an attempt to improve air quality. Any vehicles that exceed certain emission standards may have to pay a charge to drive in a CAZ.
In this post we’ll discuss the current UK cities with CAZs, along with any cities that may introduce CAZs in the future.
At Anthony Jones we specialise in insurance for the transport and logistics sector. If you have any questions about your legal obligations as a driver or fleet manager, call us on 020 8290 9099 or email commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
The Four Classes of Clean Air Zones
There are four types of CAZs: Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D.
- Class A – Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles.
- Class B – Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs.
- Class C – Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, vans, minibuses.
- Class D – Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, vans, minibuses, cars. Also, in a Class D CAZ, the local authority may choose to include motorcycles.
The CAZ minimum emission standard for buses, coaches, and HGVs is Euro VI. For vans, minibuses, taxis, private hire vehicles and cars, it’s Euro 6 for diesel engines and Euro 4 for petrol engines. For motorcycles, it’s Euro 3.
Current UK Clean Air Zones
The following UK cities currently have CAZs:
- Bath (Class C)
- Birmingham (Class D)
- Bradford (Class C)
- Bristol (Class D)
- Portsmouth (Class B)
- Sheffield (Class C)
- Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead (Class C)
Scotland also has its own independent low emission zone system in cities including Aberdeen, Dundee, and Edinburgh.
London has its own Low and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ). If your vehicle doesn’t meet ULEZ emission standards, you need to pay £12.50 a day to drive in the zone. This charge applies to all vehicles, yet LGVs and HGVs over 3.5 tonnes may need to pay a separate Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charge.
Future UK Cities With New Clean Air Zones
Liverpool, Manchester, and Cambridge all appear to be actively looking into introducing their own CAZs. Though according to the government’s online resource, only Greater Manchester is currently “under review”.
Working With CAZs as a Fleet Manager
If you run a business with two or more UK registered vehicles, you can at least make paying CAZ charges a little easier through setting up an account for your whole fleet.
Once you’ve set up your account, you can upload the number plates of each vehicle in your fleet, and you’ll then be able to see what each vehicle will be charged in each CAZ. You can then set up an agreement to pay by bank account should any of your vehicles ever incur any charges.
Head to the government’s website to get started.
Worried About CAZ Charges For Your Fleet?
For some fleets, CAZs have the potential to significantly drive up operating costs.
The government does offer some support here. Access the Clean Air Fund through your local authority, who might be able to help with local travel discounts, cycle to work schemes, and even vehicle upgrades.
For more information, contact the clean air zone support service.
You can also read our full CAZ guidance for fleet managers.
At Anthony Jones we specialise in insurance for the transport and logistics sector. If you have any questions about your legal obligations as a driver or fleet manager, call us on 020 8290 9099 or email commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
