Clean Air Zones (CAZ) have been introduced around England and Scotland by local authorities to help improve air quality. If your vehicle doesn’t meet emission standards, you’ll have to pay a charge to drive within one.
These are similar but separate to London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). This zone covers all areas within the North and South Circular Roads.
Currently, there are 7 Clean Air Zones. Another is under review in Greater Manchester (correct as of April 2023).
- Bath has a Class C Clean Air Zone
- Birmingham has a Class D Clean Air Zone
- Bradford has a Class C Clean Air Zone
- Bristol has a Class D Clean Air Zone
- Portsmouth has a Class B Clean Air Zone
- Sheffield has a Class C Clean Air Zone
- Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead) has a Class C Clean Air Zone
For the most up-to-date information on CAZ locations, check out Clean air zone guidance on gov.uk.
There are 4 types of Clean Air Zones, which determine which vehicle may have to pay the fee.
- Class A - Buses, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles
- Class B - Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles
- Class C - Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses
- Class D - Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses, cars, the local authority has the option to include motorcycles
If your vehicle does not meet the minimum emission standard, you must pay a daily CAZ charge.
To avoid paying this, your vehicle must meet the following standard:
- For cars, vans. minibuses, taxis or private hire vehicles - Euro 4 (petrol) and Euro 6 (diesel)
- For buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles - Euro VI
- For motorcycles - Euro 3
You can find your vehicle’s minimum emission standard in your V5C log book or vehicle manufacturer. You can also check your Euro emission standard with the RAC.
There are some national and local exemptions on certain types of vehicles. You can find out more about these CAZ exemptions on gov.uk.
Clean Air Zones apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
If you’re planning to drive through a CAZ, use the Clean air zone service on gov.uk to:
- check if and what you need to pay
- pay the daily charge
- view maps of the clean air zones
With the cost of living crisis, affording CAZ charges can be difficult.
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles offer grants to help you switch to cleaner vehicles (like electric or hybrid vehicles). Local authorities may also offer support to upgrade or replace your vehicle.
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