Low Emission Zones

Low Emission Zones are schemes that cover specific areas (typically in cities) to tackle pollution and that discourage certain types of vehicles from entering a specified zone.

Typically, this will consist of a charge for the vehicle should it not reach a minimum standard for emissions to enter this zone.

The idea is to encourage the use of cleaner vehicles and thus improve air quality.

Ultra Low Emission Zone


Low Emission Zone    


Clean Air Zone    


Check to see if your vehicle complies with the current LEZ standard by clicking here…  https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/

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Ultra low emission zone

Low Emission Zones Explained

The aim of the world’s first Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London was to reduce pollution and improve air quality in London by introducing a charge for vehicles that don’t meet new exhaust emission standards.

The reason for introducing the Ultra Low Emission Zone was that pollution levels in London regularly exceeded safe levels. And road transport is the biggest source of harmful emissions, with vehicles are currently responsible for producing around half of both nitrogen oxides (NOx pollution) and particulate matter in the air.

Initially, the ULEZ area was the same as the current Congestion Charge zone across central London, however, from the 29th August 2023 the zone expanded across all London boroughs.  

If your vehicle doesn't meet the ULEZ emission standards and isn't exempt, you will need to pay a £12.50 daily charge to drive inside the zone.

Vehicles which will be affected by new charges:
Euro 4 (NOx) for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles – Registered up to and including 2005
Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles – Registered up to and including 2015

The Mayor of London announced a new vehicle scrappage scheme to help eligible Londoners prepare for the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) across all London boroughs from 29 August 2023. The scrappage scheme is now open for applications – Click here for full details and eligibility.

Find Out More
ULEZ

Euro Standards Explained

Euro standards first appeared in 1992, they are range of emissions controls that set limits for air polluting nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) from engines. New vehicles must show that they meet these limits to be approved for sale. However if you own an older vehicle, there is a possibility they will not meet these standards.

The ULEZ standards for existing central London ULEZ and when the zone expands are:

  • Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles (L category)
  • Euro 4 (NOx) for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
  • Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles
  • Euro VI (NOx and PM) for lorries, buses and coaches and other specialist heavy vehicles

Euro 3 became mandatory for all new motorcycles in 2007

Euro 4 became mandatory for all new cars in 2005 and light vans in 2006

Euro 6 became mandatory for all new heavy duty engines for goods vehicles and buses from January 2014, September 2015 for cars and light vans, and September 2016 for larger vans up to and including 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight.

Find out more about ULEZ emission standards, daily charges and penalty charges, plus information on how to avoid having to pay the charge for: Cars or Vans.

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Clean Air Zones

To improve air quality, some local authorities are introducing clean air zones. If your vehicle exceeds emission standards, you may have to pay a charge if you drive in a clean air zone. Buses, coaches, heavy goods vehicles, taxis and private hire vehicles will be charged for driving within the zone’s boundary if they don’t meet minimum emissions standards.

  • Bath has a Class C clean air zone.
  • Birmingham has a Class D clean air zone.
  • Bradford has a Class C clean air zone.
  • Bristol has a Class D clean air zone.
  • Portsmouth has a Class B clean air zone.
  • Greater Manchester (under review).
  • Sheffield has a Class C clean air zone.
  • Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead) has a Class C clean air zone.
  • Aberdeen (2 year grace period on penalty charging, penalties will start 1st June 2024)
  • Glasgow (The LEZ now applies to all vehicles, however enforcement for zone residents will start on 1 June 2024)
  • Dundee (2-year grace period is set out, with enforcement beginning for all vehicles on 30 May 2024)
  • Edinburgh (2 year grace period on penalty charging, penalties will start 1st June 2024)
Clean Air Zones England Clean Air Zones Scotland

More information on Low Emission Zones in your area
There are currently low emission zones in the following UK cities: