Motorists across England are facing a significant financial blow as local authorities implement new Clean Air Zones that could see drivers paying up to £59 daily to use their vehicles in city centres.
The controversial schemes, designed to improve air quality by discouraging older, more polluting vehicles from entering urban areas, are being rolled out in multiple locations including Bristol, Newcastle, and Sheffield. Birmingham's existing scheme continues to operate, creating a patchwork of charging zones that could catch unwary drivers out.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The charges primarily target older vehicles that fail to meet modern emissions standards:
- Non-compliant cars, vans, and taxis: Typically those with pre-Euro 4 petrol engines (generally pre-2006) and pre-Euro 6 diesel engines (generally pre-2015)
- Heavier vehicles: LGVs, HGVs, buses, and coaches face the highest charges of £59 per day
- Exempt vehicles: Modern petrol and diesel vehicles meeting latest emissions standards, plus fully electric vehicles
Where Are the New Zones Operating?
Several cities have recently joined Birmingham in implementing Clean Air Zones:
- Bristol: Launched November 2022, charging £9 for non-compliant cars
- Newcastle and Gateshead: Operational from January 2023, with charges for older vehicles
- Sheffield: Implemented in early 2023, targeting the most polluting vehicles
These join existing schemes in London (ULEZ), Birmingham, and Bath, creating a complex network of charging zones that vary in their specific requirements and fees.
How to Check Your Vehicle's Compliance
Drivers can easily check whether their vehicle will be charged by using the official government's online vehicle checker. Simply enter your registration number to see if your car, van, or motorcycle meets the emissions standards required for each zone.
With the expansion of Clean Air Zones across the country, it's becoming increasingly important for UK motorists to verify their vehicle's status before travelling to unfamiliar cities to avoid unexpected charges that could significantly increase the cost of their journey.
