Clean Air Zones (CAZs) have become a significant initiative in the UK to combat air pollution and improve air quality in cities and urban areas. With the adverse effects of poor air quality on public health and the environment becoming more apparent, several local authorities across the UK have implemented or planned to introduce Clean Air Zones. The good news is, here at Skipton Self Drive, all our vehicles comply with Clean Air Zone regulations, which means when hiring from us you’re able to drive in these zones without needed to worry about paying any charges. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about Clean Air Zones.
What are Clean Air Zones?
Clean Air Zones are designated areas within cities and towns where specific measures are taken to reduce air pollution and improve air quality. The primary focus is on reducing the level of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, primarily caused by vehicles, especially diesel-powered vehicles. Initially this was only applicable for buses, taxis and HGV’s but this was extended to include private non-compliant vehicles.
Types of Clean Air Zones
Clean Air Zones use various methods to control and reduce vehicle emissions. Generally speaking, there are two types, charging zones, and non-charging zones. However local authorities with Clean Air Zones may also be able to introduce other measures.
Charging Zones
In some Clean Air Zones, certain vehicles, usually older and more polluting ones, are required to pay a daily charge to enter the zone. These charges aim to encourage drivers to use cleaner vehicles or alternative modes of transport. As we mentioned above, all our vehicles comply with Clean Air Zone regulations, which means when hiring from us you’re able to drive in these zones without needed to worry about paying any charges.
Non-charging zones
In these zones you will not be charged for entering an area, however there may be prohibitions on specific vehicles such as older diesel vehicles from entering the CAZ during certain hours. Local authorities also may promote the use of clean vehicles like electric cars or hybrids by offering incentives, discounts, or priority parking.
Types of vehicles that this applies to:
Each local authority has the right to categorise the different classes determining which vehicles that this applies to, but generally speaking the classes are determined as follows:
|
Class |
Type of vehicle |
|
A |
Buses, taxis’ coaches and private hire vehicles. |
|
B |
Buses, taxis’ coaches and private hire vehicles and HGV’s. |
|
C |
Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, vans, minibuses. |
|
D |
Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, vans, minibuses, cars, the local authority has the option to include motorcycles |
Why are Clean Air Zones being introduced?
Clean Air Zones play a vital role in reducing harmful emissions, improving air quality, and mitigating the impact of air pollution on public health and the environment. By encouraging the use of cleaner vehicles and reducing overall traffic congestion, Clean Air Zones contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change as part of the Government’s target to eradicate the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and the broader air quality plan.
Current and future Clean Air Zones in the UK
Several cities have developed Clean Air Zones, so if you live in or are planning to travel to any of the following destinations in your own vehicle you may need to refer to this GOV.UK service to know how exactly this will affect you. Again, to reiterate, all Skipton Self Drive vehicles are totally compliant.
- Bath
- Birmingham
- Bradford
- Bristol
- Greater Manchester (under review)
- Portsmouth
- Sheffield
- Tyneside - Newcastle and Gateshead
- Oxford
- York
- Sheffield
- Aberdeen
Penalties for driving in Clean Air Zones
If you do decide to drive a noncompliant vehicle in a Clean Air Zone and don’t pay the charge by six days after your journey in the zone, you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) similarly as you would a speeding fine. These are usually issued by the local authority that you have driven through. If you receive this you will have to pay the PCN in addition to the original CAZ charge. PCN’s are currently set at £120.00 but this can be reduced to £60.00 if payment is made within 14 days of receipt of the PCN. Failure to pay altogether can lead to this being treated as a civil debt which can be passed to enforcement agents, incurring additional expenses. You can of course appeal an PCN, the details of how to do so are specific to each local authority that charges for Clean Air Zones.
With the government’s commitment to reducing overall carbon emissions here in the UK, Clean Air Zones certainly look like they’ll be here to stay, and whilst the unexpected penalties can certainly be an inconvenience for drivers, you cannot put a price on the health of the population at large. If you’d like would like more information, we’d be happy to help if you contact us on 01756 792911 or use our contact form.
