As part of the government’s Clean Air Strategy introduced in 2019, Clean Air Zones have significantly reduced air pollution in several urban areas.
Clean Air Zones (CAZ) are similar to London’s congestion charging area along with low and ultra-low-emission zones, in that if your vehicle exceeds emissions standards, there’s a charge to pay.
There are currently four cities with Clean Air Zones in place – Bath, Birmingham, Bradford and Portsmouth. However, very shortly, other locations will be implementing these zones.
Local authorities decide on the need for a CAZ according to pollution levels, and requirements set out by the Clean Air strategy. In addition, zones are implemented within four different classes, which include:
- A - Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles
- B - Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles
- C - Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses
- D - Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses, cars, plus the local authority has the option to include motorcycles
Each of these vehicles must meet a minimum emissions standard.
Future Clean Air Zones
Several local authorities have approved plans for clean air zones in 2022. The changes coming soon are:
Bristol
This southwest city’s clean air zone will be in force from 28th November 2022. Its zone will fall into a class D meaning most older vehicles will be required to pay a daily charge to enter the area. Charges are applicable 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most cars and other vehicles up to light goods will pay £9 daily. However, heavy goods, buses and coaches will fall into the £100 a day charge if they don’t meet the emissions standards.
For more information on the area of Bristol’s clean air zone, visit the Bristol City Council website.
Newcastle and Gateshead
The CAZ for Newcastle and Gateshead has been approved, and cameras and signage are already installed around the city to make people aware of the upcoming charges. However, private vehicles will not be affected.
The charges come into force from January 2023 for some buses, coaches and taxis and July 2023 for light goods vehicles and vans. But they only apply to those that don’t meet the emissions standards.
In addition, the local authority is hoping to reduce traffic flow into the city via the Tyne Bridge. This will be changed to one lane in each direction if plans go through.
Sheffield
Sheffield plans to bring in a Class C clean air zone from early 2023. This will apply to the inner ring road area surrounding the city centre. Non-compliant taxis and vans will be charged £10 a day, with a charge of £50 a day for coaches, buses and HGVs.
Manchester
Currently, Manchester’s clean air zone is under review. However, the city council hopes to introduce this measure for vans, buses, HGVs and taxis. The plans cover local roads around the Greater Manchester area and will be in force 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Alongside this, other initiatives such as workplace parking levies and incentives to switch to electric cars may be implemented to encourage people to use low-emissions travel. The council is also considering transitioning public transport vehicles to greener travel options.
Currently, this CAZ is awaiting public consultation, which is due to take place in early 2023.
Clean Air Zones under consideration
Many locations are considering plans for a clean air zone or similar initiatives to bring pollution levels down. These include:
- Cambridge
- Sefton
- St Albans
- Warrington
Other low-emission zone updates
London
The capital is split into three low-emission zones – congestion charge, ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) and low-emission zone (LEZ).
Currently, the majority of the capital is under a low emissions area. However, proposals have been submitted to increase the ultra-low emissions zone to cover most of the city from August 2023.
The plans also include a road-pricing scheme. This potentially means changing the existing pricing structure to form one single charging system.
Scotland and Wales
Scotland has recently introduced Low Emission Zones (LEZ) across Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Glasgow was the first city to enforce this for buses only. However, Dundee, Edinburgh and Aberdeen won’t officially start charging the most polluting cars until 2024.
Wales is also considering Clean Air Zones in its most polluted areas. However, the capital, Cardiff, has ruled out CAZ plans so far.
That said, there are temporary speed limits in place across the country. These are implemented as there is evidence that reduced speed lowers emissions. You’ll find a 50mph speed limit at:
- A494 at Deeside
- A483 at Wrexham
- M4 between Junctions 41 and 42 (Port Talbot)
- M4 between junctions 25 and 26 (Newport)
- A470 between Upper Boat and Pontypridd
Check your vehicle meets the clean air zone emissions standards
Are you travelling into the above cities and confused about whether your car meets the clean air zone emissions standards? Thankfully, it’s really simple to check whether you need to pay or not. Just visit gov.uk to check or pay your charge.
Stay updated on the latest clean air zone and low emission zone updates
As local authorities work to implement the Clean Air Strategy to improve air quality in urban areas, further changes lay ahead for traffic-heavy areas. If you travel to these locations regularly, it’s helpful to stay up to date on how the latest changes may affect you.
In addition, upgrading to an electric or hybrid car could help save on CAZ fees to avoid higher charges for driving in the city. There are various EVs to choose from, including models from top brands such as VW, Peugeot and BMW. All have impressive range, performance and driveability. Plus, you save on running costs with exemptions from congestion charges, LEZ, ULEZ and CAZ fees.
