The countdown is on for the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) zone in London, but drivers may not be aware that the capital isn't the only place that has it.
From August 29 London’s preexisting ULEZ will extend to all of London's 33 boroughs.
The ULEZ was first introduced in April 2019 to help combat London’s poor air quality.
It initially included parts of Central London, but from August it will now cover all boroughs and operate for 24 hours a day.
Vehicles found to exceed the minimum emission standards could expect to pay a daily charge of £12.50.
However, other areas of the UK introduced their own version of the ULEZ zone - these are often referred to as Clean Air Zones (CAZ) which drivers may not be aware of.
Due to this, drivers could face some hefty charges without realising.
The online car marketplace cinch has highlighted all the places in the UK which have these schemes in place - and most importantly how much they cost.
According to the Government’s website, the UK cities that feature operating Clean Air Zones include:
Bath
Bath became the first city in the UK after London to aim to limit polluting traffic with a Clean Air Zone two years ago.
First launched in March 2021, cars which did not meet the required emissions standard would face a charge when entering the zone.
Private cars and motorbikes are not charged but commercial vehicles which do not meet emission standards do incur a fee.
The daily charge to enter the Clean Air Zone is £9 for taxis, minibuses, vans, pick-up trucks, and some campervans and four-by-fours; and £100 for coaches, buses, and HGVs.
Private HGVs like horsebox vans and motorhomes can have the £100 reduced to £9, if the vehicle is registered with the council.
Birmingham
This CAZ in Birmingham is in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and it includes a significant portion of the city centre within the A4540 Middleway.
Residents driving a vehicle not compliant with the zone's emission standards will have to pay an £8 a day charge.
The £8 fee also includes vans and taxis and it rises to £50 a day for coaches, buses and HGVs.
Bradford
The Bradford CAZ covers the area within the Bradford outer ring road and was first introduced in September 2022.
The charge applies to taxis, lorries and vans that do not meet emission standards, but drivers of private cars and motorbikes do not need to pay.
The daily fees for commercial vehicles entering the area range from £7 to £50 and those that do not pay can be fined £120 plus the original fee.
Bristol
Bristol’s CAZ launched in November 2022 with the aim to create a healthier and more natural environment across the city.
It’s in operation 24 hours a day and covers a large chunk of the city centre.
Cars, taxis and vans are charged £9 for entering the zone while HGVs, coaches and buses not meeting the CAZ pollution criteria will have to pay £100 each day.
If you do not pay the charge, you could face a £120 fine, reduced to £60 if paid within a week plus the original CAZ payment.
Glasgow
As of June 1 2023, Glasgow enforced a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) within the city centre to help protect public health.
It was the first scheme to be introduced in Scotland and it operates 24 hours a day all year round.
Drivers entering the LEZ with a non-compliant car will be fined around £60.
This fine will double for each subsequent breach detected and there is a fine cap of £480 for cars and light goods vehicles (LGVs), and £960 for buses and HGVs.
Only emergency vehicles, blue-badge holders, mopeds and motorbikes will continue to be exempt from charges, while locals living in the zone have one year to comply with the area’s new regulations.
Portsmouth
Introduced in November 2021, Portsmouth's CAZ sees older private hire vehicles and taxis charged £10 a day to enter the zone, while buses, coaches and lorries face a £50 fee to enter the area of the city centre.
Private cars, motorcycles and vans are not included in the daily charges at the moment.
Sheffield
The Sheffield CAZ went live in February 2023, covering the city centre and the inner ring toad.
Like other cities, its rules don’t apply to private cars and motorcycles, but all other (polluting) vehicles driving within the area are charged.
Vans, LGVs and taxis will be charged at a rate of £10 per day, whereas coaches, buses and HGVs will be charged at £50 per day.
Tyneside - Newcastle and Gateshead
The Newcastle and Gateshead CAZ was introduced in January 2023 and includes some of the busiest routes in town, including the Tyne Bridge and High Level Bridge.
Privately-owned cars are not affected by the CAZ and will not have to pay charges.
However, drivers of older buses, coaches, taxis, and HGVs must now pay daily charges ranging from £12.50 to £50 if they want to go to or through the city centre.
