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With the upcoming expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to include all London boroughs coming later this summer, here’s a look at other cities in the UK with clean air zones.
cinch has looked at these zones across various cities, showcasing their impact, benefits and the need for increased awareness and support.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, explained:
In short, there are two types of Clean Air Zones.
Some CAZs are non-charging, meaning that their goal is to enhance air quality without charging vehicles driving within the zone. These areas have different measures to keep emission levels in check, from retrofitting specific vehicles with pollution controls to rerouting traffic.
Other CAZs in the UK, however, are charging zones. In this case, you will be charged a fee to enter the zone if you’re at the wheel of a vehicle that doesn’t meet its environmental standards.
Bear in mind that electric cars and some hybrid models are likely to be exempt from charges, as they match the CAZ requirements. But in cities such as Bath and Portsmouth, all private cars can pass freely through the zone, as the regulations tend to apply to specific and larger vehicles only.
The UK cities that feature operating Clean Air Zones are:
- Bath – This scheme was launched in March 2021. The zone only covers Bath city centre, but the air quality seems to have improved gradually across the entirety of the city
- Birmingham – This CAZ is in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It includes a significant portion of Birmingham city centre within the A4540 Middleway
- Bradford – The Bradford CAZ covers the area within the Bradford outer ring road. Since its introduction in September 2022, it has encouraged motorists to drive cleaner cars, and the city has now one of the cleanest taxi fleets in the UK
- Bristol – Bristol’s Clean Air Zone launched in November 2022 with the aim to create a healthier and more natural environment across the city. It’s in operation 24 hours a day and covers a large chunk of the city centre
- Greater Manchester (under review) – In February 2022, in the wake of a huge public backlash, the brakes were slammed on Greater Manchester’s CAZ scheme. The plans are still under review, however, so things might change in the not-so-distant future.
- Portsmouth – Introduced in November 2021, the Portsmouth CAZ has seen around two million vehicles enter the area in the space of one year. Now, campaigners are calling for an expansion for its borders, meaning the CAZ could also include the outer neighbourhoods of the city.
- Sheffield – The Sheffield CAZ went live in February 2023, covering the city centre and the inner ring toad. Its rules don’t apply to private cars and motorcycles, but all other (polluting) vehicles driving within the area are charged.
- Tyneside – Newcastle and Gateshead – The Newcastle and Gateshead CAZ was introduced in January 2023. It includes some of the busiest routes in town, including the Tyne Bridge and High Level Bridge.
Other councils across the country have been considering introducing CAZs in their city centre. But for a number of reasons, plans have either been delayed or scrapped altogether.
For example, Nottingham was the very first council to get the green light from the government for an emission-free area. The creation of a Clean Air Zone never went ahead, however, as existing measures to tackle high-pollution levels were enough to remain below the legal limit.
As of 1 June 2023, Glasgow has enforced a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) within the city centre to help protect public health. Drivers entering the LEZ with a non-compliant car will be fined around £60.
Only emergency vehicles, blue-badge holders, mopeds and motorbikes will continue to be exempt from charges, while locals living in the zone have one year to comply with the area’s new regulations.
