Clean Air Zones (CAZs) and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) are designed to reduce air pollution in urban areas by charging the most polluting vehicles to drive within them. Here's what you need to know.
What is ULEZ?
London's Ultra Low Emission Zone covers the entire Greater London area. Non-compliant vehicles are charged £12.50 per day to drive within it, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Is Your Car Compliant?
Compliance depends on your car's emissions standard:
- Petrol cars — Must meet Euro 4 standards. Most petrol cars registered from January 2006 onwards are compliant.
- Diesel cars — Must meet Euro 6 standards. Most diesel cars registered from September 2015 onwards are compliant.
- Electric and hydrogen cars — Always compliant (zero tailpipe emissions).
Clean Air Zones Across the UK
Several cities have introduced or are planning Clean Air Zones:
- London (ULEZ) — Charges all non-compliant cars and vans £12.50/day.
- Birmingham — Charges non-compliant cars, vans, taxis, buses and HGVs.
- Bristol — Charges non-compliant cars and vans.
- Bath, Bradford, Portsmouth — Only charge heavier commercial vehicles. Private cars are not currently charged.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you regularly drive into any of these zones, check whether your vehicle is compliant. Driving a non-compliant car into the London ULEZ every weekday would cost you over £3,000 per year in charges alone.
Run a free car check with MOTChecker to see your vehicle's emissions data, fuel type, Euro standard and ULEZ compliance status — all in one report.