Many UK cities now operate clean air or low‑emission zones to improve air quality and reduce pollution. These schemes apply charges or penalties to vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards. Because each city sets its own rules, charges and exemptions, it’s important to understand how the system works before travelling.
What Are Clean Air Zones?
Clean air zones (CAZ) are areas where local authorities apply restrictions or charges to vehicles that exceed emissions limits. The aim is to reduce pollution and encourage the use of cleaner vehicles.
The UK Government defines four classes of clean air zones:
| Class | Vehicles Affected |
|---|---|
| A | Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles |
| B | Class A + heavy goods vehicles |
| C | Class B + vans and minibuses |
| D | Class C + cars (and optionally motorcycles) |
Minimum Emission Standards
To avoid charges, vehicles must meet the following standards:
- Euro VI — Buses, coaches, HGVs
- Euro 6 (diesel) / Euro 4 (petrol) — Cars, vans, taxis, private hire vehicles
- Euro 3 — Motorcycles
Clean air zones are signposted on major routes, as required by the Department for Transport.
If you’re trying to work out which cars avoid charges in different clean‑air zones, our guide to the best ULEZ‑compliant cars highlights models that meet the strictest standards across UK cities.
Where Are the UK’s Low‑Emission Zones?
Below is a summary of major UK cities with active or upcoming clean air or low‑emission zones.
Aberdeen
- Status: In force since 30 May 2022
- Vehicles affected: All non‑compliant vehicles
- Charge: £60
- Notes: A two‑year grace period runs until May 2024. Full enforcement begins June 2024.
Bath
- Status: Active
- Type: Class C
- Vehicles affected: Non‑compliant vans, taxis, buses, lorries (private cars and motorbikes exempt)
- Charge: £9 (vans/taxis), £100 (HGVs/buses)
- Penalty: £120 (rising to £180 after 28 days; halved if paid within 14 days)
Birmingham
- Status: Active since 1 June 2021
- Vehicles affected: All non‑compliant vehicles
- Charge: £8 (cars, taxis, LGVs), £50 (HGVs, buses, coaches)
- Exemptions:
- Diesel Euro 6
- Petrol Euro 4
- Zero‑emission vehicles
- CVRAS‑approved retrofits
- Motorcycles
Dundee
- Status: In force since 30 May 2022
- Vehicles affected: All non‑compliant vehicles
- Penalty: £60, doubling for repeat offences (capped at £480 for cars/LGVs and £960 for buses/HGVs)
- Grace period: Two years
Edinburgh
- Status: In force since 31 May 2022
- Vehicles affected: All non‑compliant vehicles
- Grace period: Two years
Glasgow
- Status: Expanding to all vehicles from 1 June 2023
- Vehicles affected: All non‑compliant vehicles
- Penalty: £60, doubling for repeat offences
London
- Status: ULEZ and LEZ active
- Vehicles affected: All non‑compliant vehicles
- Charges:
- ULEZ: £12.50 (cars), £100 (HGVs)
- LEZ: Applies to heavier vehicles across most of Greater London
- Notes: Future plans include zero‑emission zones.
Portsmouth
- Status: Active since November 2021
- Vehicles affected: Non‑compliant HGVs, buses, taxis, private hire vehicles
- Charge: £10 (vans/taxis), £50 (HGVs/buses)
- Cars and motorbikes: Currently exempt
York
- Status: Active since January 2021
- Vehicles affected: Buses not meeting Euro 6
- Notes:
- Buses represent 3% of traffic but 27% of emissions
- Council support includes funding for upgrades and incentives for greener taxis
And to understand how drivers really feel about these expanding emissions rules, our feature on what Brits think of ULEZ explores public opinion as more cities introduce their own versions.
National Exemptions
Some vehicles are automatically exempt from clean air zone charges:
- Ultra‑low‑emission vehicles
- Disabled tax class vehicles
- Military vehicles
- Historic vehicles
- CVRAS‑approved retrofitted vehicles
- Certain agricultural vehicles
What’s Next?
More UK cities are expected to introduce clean air zones, including Manchester, Newcastle and Liverpool. Anti‑emission policies are expanding, and drivers should expect further changes in the coming years.
And to understand how factors like emissions standards, age, and market trends affect what compliant cars are valued at, our guide to car valuation breaks down everything that shapes a vehicle’s true worth.
Key Takeaway
Clean air zones are becoming increasingly common across the UK. Understanding the rules, charges and exemptions helps you avoid penalties and plan your journeys more effectively.
If changing emissions rules across different cities has you thinking about switching vehicles, our value my car tool gives you a quick estimate of what your current car is worth before you make any decisions.