Breathe Easy? How the UK's New Clean Air Zones Will Affect Drivers

by Jade Sovron

To tackle dangerous levels of air pollution, several major UK cities are implementing new "Clean Air Zones" over the next few years. These zones will charge certain high-polluting vehicles to drive within city centers. Here's a look at these new schemes and how they might impact you:

Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ)

London's ULEZ started in 2019 and is probably the most well known. It requires vehicles driving in central London to meet tough exhaust emissions standards or pay a daily charge. An expansion of the zone in 2021 means many more drivers are now affected.

  • The ULEZ is operational 24/7 and costs £12.50 per day for non-compliant cars. The charge for vans and trucks is £100.

  • These fees will hit lower-income drivers and small businesses reliant on older vehicles the hardest. Upgrading to a newer, compliant vehicle is the only way to avoid the daily charge.

Clean Air Zones (CAZ)

Following London's lead, other UK cities have announced plans to implement Clean Air Zones. Locations include Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Bristol.

  • CAZ schemes operate similar to the ULEZ, with daily charges in city centers for high-polluting vehicles. However, CAZ zones will initially focus only on older buses, coaches, taxis and heavy goods vehicles. Private cars are exempt for now.

  • While this reduces the impact on the average driver, CAZ zones will still hit small businesses who rely on non-compliant vans and trucks. Upgrading entire fleets represents a major cost.

Zero Emission Zones (ZEZ)

Oxford already has a small ZEZ piloted in one city center street, banning all vehicles except electric models. More extensive ZEZ zones are proposed in Bristol, Cambridge and London.

  • ZEZ schemes would prohibit all conventional petrol and diesel vehicles, including private cars. Only zero-emission vehicles like electric or hydrogen models would be allowed entry.

  • For most drivers, a new electric vehicle would need to be purchased to travel into these zones once implemented. This is unaffordable for many, raising concerns over equity and access.

While air pollution is a serious issue, these varied clean air schemes risk creating a confusing patchwork of charging zones across UK cities. Those relying on non-compliant vehicles for personal mobility or business face being penalized or excluded. Cleaner air looks set to come at an economic and social cost.