Did you know that poor air quality is considered the largest environmental risk to public health? A recent UK government report outlined the risk of air pollution to health, the environment, and the economy.
As a result, designated Clean Air Zones now define stricter pollution-reduction policies. The most well-known of these initiatives is the Greater London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
The ULEZ is a Clean Air Zone that has continued to expand since its introduction in April 2019. We’re seeing increasing numbers of UK cities adopt similar policies, such as Greater Manchester and Newcastle and Gateshead.
In response to Clean Air Zones, many people are now choosing to switch to an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). Choosing to drive a ULEV can help minimise environmental impact while potentially saving money.
This overview should help you to understand what these initiatives might mean for you. We’ll also highlight the key considerations to make before switching to a ULEV.
What is a Clean Air or Low Emissions Zone?
A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is a designated area in cities across the UK dedicated to improving air quality. Thanks to these schemes, the UK continues to be amongst the most improved countries in reports like the 2024 State of Global Air Report.
There’s still a long way to go to reach environmental goals, but we’re seeing more Clean Air Zones in city centres across the UK. A CAZ can be anything from a single road to an entire section of a city. Whatever size they are, each CAZ aims to put a cap on vehicle emissions levels by limiting (or applying fees for) access to certain vehicles.
Vehicles that emit high pollution levels face a penalty charge for entering a Clean Air Zone. There are four types of Clean Air Zones in England, defined by which vehicles are restricted:
- Class A: restrictions apply to buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles.
- Class B: restrictions apply to buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles.
- Class C: restrictions apply to buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses.
- Class D: restrictions apply to buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses, cars, and some motorbikes.
Generally, Class A is the most lenient type of Clean Air Zone, while Class D is the strictest. Drivers should bear in mind that the restrictions and charges vary from city to city. You can check which vehicles are allowed in each Clean Air Zone on the gov.uk Clean Air Zones page.
No vehicles are banned from driving in a Clean Air Zone, but some local authorities do charge high penalties for entering a CAZ. In Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, local authorities impose fines of up to £60 per day* for non-compliant vehicle types.
*Figure correct as of 31/01/2025
What is ULEZ?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is the name for London’s Clean Air Zone, where vehicles must meet strict emissions standards to avoid a daily charge. The Greater London Authority introduced ULEZ in 2019 as the world’s first 24-hour ultra-low emissions zone and the scheme now covers all boroughs of London and the City of London.
The aim of ULEZ is to reduce air pollution by encouraging the use of cleaner, more eco-friendly vehicles, or TFL public transport.
If your car doesn’t meet ULEZ requirements, you’ll need to pay a daily charge. Whilst a one-off charge might be quite small, these costs can add up over time, particularly if you regularly drive in the zone.
What is the ULEZ Charge?
Currently, the London ULEZ charges are:
A £12.50 daily charge** for non-compliant cars, vans and motorcycles, specialist vehicles and minibuses.
Lorries, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), larger private hire vehicles, buses and coaches are subject to different Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charges.
Changes to the ULEZ Charge
It’s worth noting that the ULEZ charge is changing and will no longer only apply to non-compliant vehicles. From 25th December 2025, all electric cars, and vans, as well as ULEZ-compliant petrol cars, will have to pay a ULEZ charge. In this way, the ULEZ will start to operate like the Congestion Charge Zone.
Other Clean Air Zone Charges
London isn’t the only city in the UK that has a Clean Air Zone charge. Other examples include:
Please check your local council's regulations for details on rules and payment amounts.
ULEV: Cars that are Exempt from Clean Air Zone and ULEZ Restrictions
What Makes a Car CAZ and ULEZ Compliant?
Avoiding ULEZ charges is simpler than you might think. All you need to do is make sure that your vehicle meets the local council’s emissions standards.
In most cases, the list of CAZ and ULEZ-compliant vehicles includes:
All electric vehicles and hybrids, as these are considered Ultra Low Emission Vehicles.
Petrol cars registered after 2005 that meet the Euro 4 emissions standard
Diesel cars registered after September 2015 that meet the Euro 6 standard.
If you’re unsure, use one of the free online Clean Air Zone vehicle check tools. The Government ULEV Checker or Transport Scotland’s Vehicle Checker assess whether your car meets the required standards.