Navigating Clear Air Zones in the UK
With the UK government setting eco-friendly goals with regard to air pollution and transport, Clean Air Zones (CAZs) are starting to appear across the country. Cities such as Bradford, Bath, Sheffield and Portsmouth have already seen these zones installed and Greater Manchester is currently in the reviewing stage.
The aim is to reduce the amount of emissions in the air from vehicles, making the air in cities cleaner and better for the residents to breathe. If you drive in these zones and your vehicle emits more harmful emissions than the standard then you will be charged.
Types of Clean Air Zones in the UK
The CAZs in the UK are broken down into four classifications, ranging from A to D. At present, all the established zones are either Class C or D apart from Portsmouth which is Class B.
Class B means that buses, coaches, private hire vehicles and heavy goods vehicles are all subject to charges. Class C adds in vans and minibuses, and Class D is all of these plus cars, and the local authority can opt to include motorbikes.
The daily charge does vary depending on the city and the type of vehicle you are driving. Some vehicles are exempt if they meet the emissions standards. For HGVs, buses and coaches it is Euro VI standards. Cars, vans and taxis must meet Euro 6 if they are diesel or Euro 4 if they are petrol.
Impact on vehicle owners and businesses
If you live in an area with a recently introduced CAZ then you will know that there have been many vehicle owners who are opposed to them.
Although there are plenty of warning signs as you approach a CAZ, there is still a possibility you could be fined if you do not pay the charge and your vehicle is non-compliant.
Owning a business with multiple vehicles does add a new level of administrative burden as you will need to keep track of which vehicle is where and any payments that are due. However, you can create an account online, add all your vehicle registrations and set up payments.
Tips for compliance
In the long run, getting a more eco-friendly car will serve you well, especially if you live in or near a CAZ zone. For example, if you live in Manchester you can be prepared for the CAZ going live by thinking about whether you want to invest in a new car. If you do, visit a dealership such as Peugeot Manchester as they will be able to help you find a car that is compliant and right for your family.
Businesses may be able to get financial help with upgrading vehicles to be compliant with the CAZ so speak to your local authority to see if you are eligible. Typically, the funding is for sole traders, small and medium enterprises and taxi services.
Before you travel anywhere near a CAZ, make sure you check the exact area it will cover as well as any costs you may have to pay if you do enter it. You can check online to see exactly what you will be facing financially.
