ULTRA-LOW EMISSION & CLEAN AIR ZONES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

At this point, most of us would have come across or at least heard of Ultra-Low Emission & Clean Air Zones. However, they’re still relatively new, meaning you may find yourself asking questions. What are the zones? Where are they? Is my vehicle affected? To help answer these questions, we have put together a guide with some information.

Jump to:

1. What are Ultra-Low Emission & Clean Air Zones?

2. Where are the Ultra-Low Emission & Clean Air Zones?

3. Minimum Emission Standards

4. What are the charges and how do I pay?

5. Business Account

6. Are there exemptions?

What are Ultra-Low Emission & Clean Air Zones?

In April 2019, the UK’s first Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) opened in London. The ULEZ was put in place to reduce pollution and improve the air quality around the city. This Zone means that any high polluting vehicles must pay a charge per day to go through the Zone. The goal of the ULEZ is to encourage car owners to make the switch to Electric Vehicles or Plug-In Hybrids. Allegedly, by 2030, the Government has said manufacturers may not be able to produce any more Petrol or Diesel Vehicles - this is to help with the green goal. A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is organised by a city’s Local Authority and is designed to improve air quality for that specific city. If you drive through a clean air zone, you may have to pay a charge. These zones operate 24/7 except on Christmas Day.

Where are the Ultra-Low Emission & Clean Air Zones?

The ULEZ is situated across London, covering the centre of London and areas up to A406 and A205. The ULEZ has expanded since its original start date and it is likely it will continue to extend across the capital. See the map below to see the ULEZ coverage:

The CAZs are currently implemented in:

• Bath
• Birmingham
• Bradford
• Bristol - Charges start in late 2022
• Greater Manchester
• Portsmouth

Minimum Emission Standards

Your vehicle must fit the Euro Emissions required Standard to enter the ULEZ & CAZ and not recieve a charge. To find out your vehicle’s emission standard, check your logbook, or you can find out from your vehicle manufacturer. The table below details which emission standards are accepted. If your vehicle doesn’t match the emission standards, you will receive a charge each day you’re in the zone. You can click these links to check if your vehicle is affected by the ULEZ or a CAZ.

What are the charges & how do I pay?

There are different daily charges for the zones. To check the costs for your vehicle in the CAZ, click here. For the CAZ, you must pay the charge on the 6th day after travelling inside it however you can also settle 90 days in advance. The ULEZ fee has many payment options, such as online, Auto-Pay, TFL Pay app, or phone. Cost for cars, smaller vans, motorbikes, and other light vehicles stand currently at £12.50. The Auto-Pay is a great way to pay as you know you will never receive a penalty for not paying as it automatically bills you every month for any congestion or ULEZ charges you owe. By the third day following the journey, the ULEZ fee should be settled.

Business Account

For Businesses, if you have a fleet, it can be hard to keep track of the vehicles you have and the charges needing paying. If you have two or more vehicles, you can create a business account that allows you to monitor, check and pay for multiple vehicles online.

Are there exemptions?

It is important to note there can be some exemptions to paying a charge within the ULEZ or CAZ. If you fall under any of these categories, you are not required to pay:

• You have a vehicle that is Ultra Low Emission
• A disabled passenger tax class vehicle
• BA disabled tax class vehicle
• A military vehicle
• A historic vehicle
• A vehicle with technology accredited by the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS)
• Certain Agricultural Vehicles

We hope this guide has provided you with answers to your questions regarding ULEZ and CAZ. If you are still unsure, and would like more questions answered, get in touch with us or check out the Government website for more detailed information.