Clean Air Zones (CAZ): Your complete business guide

Clean Air Zones (CAZs) have been a hot topic for fleet managers for some time now.

With new CAZs expected to come into effect in Edinburgh and Aberdeen from 1 June and Dundee from 30 May 2024, more cities are likely to follow suit in the coming years.

To understand how these regulations might affect your business, it's important to have all the facts.

In our complete guide, we've compiled everything you need to know about clean air zones, including the different categories, locations and how to prepare your business for this change.

What is a Clean Air Zone (CAZ)?

A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is a designated area, often in the city centre or along specific roads, where targeted action is taken to improve air quality. 

They usually operate 24/7, including public holidays.

Here's a breakdown of why CAZs are operating in certain cities:

• Discourage the use of polluting vehicles: The main purpose is to prevent high-emission vehicles from entering the zone. Some CAZs implement daily charges for non-compliant vehicles. Others may have restrictions on vehicle types allowed to enter during certain times.
• Improved Public Health: By reducing air pollution, CAZs aim to create a healthier environment for residents and visitors.
  
  

What are the Different Classes of Clean Air Zones?

Depending on how heavily polluted the area is, there are several different categories that clean air zones can be classified into.

Clean air zones are split into four different categories: A, B, C and D.

Depending on the age of your vehicle and which euro band it falls in, you may need to pay a charge for entering a clean air zone.

Where are the Clean Air Zones in the UK?

As of March 2024, there are seven active CAZs in England, including London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), and there will be four CAZs in Scotland by this summer 2024.

Here’s the complete list below:

1. Bath Clean Air Zone

• Zone Details: Covers the entire city centre.
• Targeted Vehicles: Applies to vans, HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles), and private hire vehicles (e.g., taxis) that don't meet Euro 6 emissions standards. Private cars are currently exempt.
• Start Date: Launched 15th March 2021.
• Class C
  
  

2. Birmingham Clean Air Zone

• Zone Details: Covers the city centre.
• Targeted Vehicles: Applies to buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, and HGVs that don't meet Euro 6 standards for diesel vehicles or Euro 4 for petrol vehicles.
• Start Date: Launched 1st June 1 2020.
• Class D
  
  

3. Bradford Clean Air Zone

• Zone Details: Covers the city centre.
• Targeted Vehicles: Applies to taxis, private hire vehicles, vans, and HGVs that don't meet Euro 6 standards.
• Start Date: Launched 26th September 2022.
• Class C
  
  

4. Bristol Clean Air Zone

• Zone Details: Covers the city centre.
• Targeted Vehicles: This applies to taxis, private hire vehicles, vans, and HGVs that don't meet Euro 6 standards.
• Start Date: Launched 28th November 2021.
• Class D
  
  

5. London Ultra Low Emission Zone

• Zone Details: Covers the city centre.
• Targeted Vehicles: Applies to buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, LGVs, minibuses, cars
• Start Date: Launched 1st April 2019.
• Class D
  
  

6. Portsmouth Clean Air Zone:

• Private cars, motorcycles and vans - No charge
• Non-compliant taxis and private hire vehicles - £10
• Non-compliant HGVs, buses and coaches - £50.
  
  

7. Sheffield Clean Air Zone

• Zone Details: Covers the city centre.
• Targeted Vehicles: Applies to taxis, private hire vehicles, vans, and HGVs that don't meet Euro 6 standards.
• Start Date: Launched 25th February 25 2021.
• Class C
  
  

8. Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead) Clean Air Zone

• Zone Details: Covers the city centres of Newcastle and Gateshead.
• Targeted Vehicles: Applies to taxis, private hire vehicles, vans, and HGVs that don't meet Euro 6 standards.
• Start Date: Launched 30th January 2022.
• Class C
  
  

9. Glasgow Low Emission Zone

• Zone Details: Covers the city centre.
• Targeted Vehicles: Currently applies to buses only, but planned to be extended to all vehicle types by 2023 (restrictions may vary).
• Start Date: Launched 30th June 30 2019
  
  

10. Edinburgh Low Emission Zone

• Zone Details: Specific details about the zone and targeted vehicles are not yet finalised (as of March 15, 2024).
• Start Date: Scheduled to launch on 1st June 2024.
  
  

11. Aberdeen Low Emission Zone

• Zone Details: Specific details about the zone and targeted vehicles are not yet finalised (as of March 15, 2024). 
• Start Date: Scheduled to launch 1st June 1 2024.
  
  

12. Dundee Low Emission Zone

• Zone Details: Specific details about the zone and targeted vehicles are not yet finalised (as of March 15, 2024).
• Scheduled to launch on 30th May 2024.
  
  

There are more CAZs planned in locations such as Manchester, but nothing has been confirmed.

Take the guesswork out of knowing which of your fleet vehicles complies with our free guide: ‘Fleet Compliance: the Safety, Environments and Sentencing.’

What Are The Minimum Emission Standards In A Clean Air Zone?

To drive in clear air zones, your vehicle must meet the following emission standards:

If your vehicle does not meet or exceed these standards, you may be required to pay to enter a clean-air zone.

To check if your vehicle is compliant, the vehicle handbook will tell you which euro band your vehicle falls under. Alternatively, try this government tool to see if your vehicle is compliant.

Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Clean Air Zone Charges?

Several vehicle categories are exempt from Clean Air Zone charges since they promote cleaner air and support specific needs.

• Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs): These include electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. 
• Vehicles Supporting Disabled Persons: Vehicles displaying either a disabled passenger tax class or a disabled tax class are automatically exempt from charges.
• Military Vehicles: Military vehicles are permitted to enter Clean Air Zones without incurring charges.
• Historic Vehicles: Vehicles with significant historical value are exempt from the charges.
• Retrofitted Vehicles (Cost Considerations Apply): Vehicles upgraded with technology accredited by the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS) are exempt. However, it is important to note that retrofitting can be a significant financial investment, and all options should be explored before making a decision.
• Limited Agricultural Exemptions: Certain agricultural vehicles may also be exempt. Please consult the relevant local authority for details on applicable exemptions in your area.
  
  

These exemptions can vary by Clean Air Zone. We recommend contacting the relevant Clean Air Zone authority for the most up-to-date information and a complete list of exemptions applicable to your specific vehicle.

Get the compliance clarity you need for your fleet with our free guide: ‘Fleet Compliance: Safety, Environment, and Sentencing.’

What’s The Best Solution For Fleet Managers Operating in Clean Air Zones?

The future economic landscape presents a unique set of challenges for fleet managers.  

Expanding Clean Air Zones (CAZs), rapidly advancing vehicle technology and ever-evolving regulations are all contributing to this uncertainty.

Traditional fixed-term leases lack the agility businesses need.

Fleet businesses require a sustainable vehicle strategy that remains effective for the entire contract, not just the beginning. This is where flexible fleet solutions come in.

Enterprise Flex-E-Rent offers a truly flexible approach that scales with your business needs. Key benefits of our flexible contracts:

• Scalability: Adjust your fleet size to meet fluctuating demand. No matter the contract length, your fleet can adapt alongside your business.
• Clean Air Compliance: We ensure all our vehicles comply with the latest Euro regulations, guaranteeing access to clean air zones and ultra-low emission zones.
• Growth and Adaptability: Flexible contracts empower you to adjust your fleet as your business grows or adapts to market changes.

What’s The Best Solution For Fleet Managers Operating in Clean Air Zones?

Speak to an Enterprise Flex-E-Rent consultant today.  Our experts will help you develop a customised vehicle strategy that perfectly aligns with your unique needs.