Do low emission zone charges apply to all cars?

Do low emission zone charges apply to all cars?

Across the UK, more cities than ever are on a mission to clean their air. Councils aim to cut local pollution by restricting high-emission vehicles – usually older diesel car and heavy-duty vehicles – by either banning them or charging fees to limit their use.

Leaves in the wind

What is a clean air zone?

Clean Air Zones are similar to Low Emission Zones. These were set up in areas where air pollution exceeds the European legal limit.

Vehicles that don’t meet the Euro 6 emission standards (old diesels, for example) are the most affected as they produce high levels of pollutants.

To help you prepare for driving in Clean Air Zones, the Government’s Joint Air Quality Unit have created an online vehicle checker. Here, you can find out if you need to pay for your vehicle and pay the daily charge.

ULEZ area in London

What is an ultra-low emission zone?

The Ultra-Low Emission Zone, or ULEZ, is currently only found in London. Operating 24-hours a day, 7-days a week (apart from Christmas Day), the Ultra-Low Emission Zone covers everywhere between the North and South Circular Roads.

ULEZ charge vs e:Ny1 cost

How much is the ULEZ charge?

Unless your vehicle meets the emissions requirements, you’ll be charged £12.50 for entering the ULEZ. Hybrids and electric vehicles which meet these standards don’t have to pay the fee. This is a small number of exceptions to this charge.

Which vehicles are exempt from low emission zones?

  • Electric vehicles
    Are exempt from Low Emission Zone charges.
  • Hybrids
    That use a petrol engine must comply with Euro 4 regulations to avoid fees, while diesel hybrids must meet Euro 6 standards to travel within these zones.
  • Older vehicles
    That may not conform to the European standards are most at risk. Larger vehicles, such as vans and HGVs, tend to have higher penalties too.

Where are the low emission zones in the UK?

LEZ, ULEZ and Clean Air Zones span many cities across the UK:

  • London
     
  • Glasgow
     
  • Birmingham
     
  • Bath
     

Which cities are getting low emission zones in the future?

  • Manchester Clean Air Zone
    While Manchester doesn’t have a LEZ currently, there are plans to implement a Clean Air Zone in May 2022. Private cars, motorbikes, and mopeds will not be affected. The Manchester CAZ will cover Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside, Stockport, Manchester, Trafford, and Salford initially.
  • Sheffield Clean Air Zone
    Sheffield’s Clean Air Zone is scheduled for 2022 and will cover most of the city centre inside of Netherthorpe Road. As a Class C Clean Air Zone private cars, motorbikes, and mopeds will not be affected initially. Affected vehicles that do not meet the designated standards and refuse to pay the associated charges could be fined up to £120.
  • Edinburgh low emission zone
    The Edinburgh LEZ scheme is intended to operate year-round, all-day-every-day. The proposed boundary surrounds the city centre and includes the West End, Queen Street, Greenside, Abbeyhill, Pleasance, Meadows, and Tollcross. Edinburgh’s LEZ is being introduced with a grace period to give residents the opportunity to prepare and adapt. It begins on 31 st May 2022 but will provide a preparatory period of 2 years.
  • Dundee low emission zone
    Dundee’s Low Emission Zone will arrive in May 2022. The change will be gradual, with a two-year grace period to help residents get used to the new rules. It will affect the area within the A991 inner-ring road network.

Where are Europe's low emission zones?

Planning a trip abroad? LEZs are growing in number across Europe – so it’s a good idea to do your homework and find out the latest information before driving in a major European city.

Currently, fifteen European countries operate LEZs, with more than 200 cities and towns having schemes in place. Just like in the UK, an LEZ in Europe means particular vehicles will be restricted from driving into these areas. They are usually well marked out by signs.

Avoiding low emissions zones

If you’re worried about being charged for entering a Low Emission Zone, check if your vehicle conforms to the correct Euro emission standards, even if you are driving a hybrid car. If your car doesn’t comply, planning a route that takes you outside of a zone, or parking outside the zone and taking public transport, might be an alternative option.
Most electric vehicles are exempt from charges.

Most electric vehicles are exempt from charges.

Images: Adobe Stock