With cities introducing charging zones for the most polluting vehicles, and some omitting carbon dioxide emitting vehicles altogether, it’s the best time to be driving a zero emitting electric vehicle. Not only are you exempt from paying charges, but you have peace of mind that your vehicle will be compliant with any future city plans.

What is a clean air zone? 

A CAZ defines an area where targeted action is taken to improve air quality in a way that delivers improved health benefits and supports economic growth. This can include a city, area or road in which vehicles can be charged or fined for entering.

Ultra-low emission zones

The ULEZ replaced the T-Charge in London on 8 April 2019. Drivers entering the capital in vehicles that don’t comply with new emissions standards will have to pay a fee 24 hours a day, 7 days a week every day of the year.

Clean Air Zone (CAZ) roll-out

The planned roll-out of CAZs in UK cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Bath has been delayed until at least January 2021.

Birmingham and Bath have delayed until 2021 at the earliest and the Leeds scheme, due to start in September, is on hold until further notice. Oxford is also delaying its zero-emission zone.

Under the new scheme owners of HGVs, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles will be charged up to £50 for entering large parts of the city. Drivers of private cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles will be exempt.

Other cities introducing CAZs include Nottingham, Derby and Southampton.

Cities have developed their own approaches to clean air zones that vary from traffic management measures in Derby to a total ban during the day on privately owned diesel vehicles in Bristol. Industry bodies have welcomed the move and asked that the delay be used to create a more joined-up approach to air quality measures.

You can check clean air plans for your location on the map below or at the BVRLA website.

Find out more about London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone.