Clean Air Zones are being introduced across England, with significant implications for people and businesses. Explore what a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) actually is, how they work, and why they are needed for safer air.
Overview
Air pollution is a real and serious threat to public health. Despite improvements in recent years, the UK is still breaching legal limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution. The government has directed local authorities to reduce these NO2 levels as urgently as possible. Clean Air Zones are the government's preferred method for addressing air quality issues in the shortest amount of time.
The need for clean air
The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers air pollution to be the single greatest risk to environmental health. Evidence links air pollution to a range of health issues like cardiovascular and respiratory disease. According to this global review, chronic exposure to air pollution can damage every organ in the body.
In the UK, the main threat to clean air is road traffic. Diesel and petrol vehicles emit harmful pollutants at the ground level such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). Vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with existing illness are most affected.
In 2020, a court ruled that toxic air made a material contribution to the death of Ella Kissi-Debrah, a nine year old asthmatic girl from London. An inquest found illegally high levels of NO2 near her home, in addition to PM pollution that exceeded WHO guidelines. In a response to this landmark ruling, the government plans to set new targets for air pollution in legislation by October 2022. Clean Air Zones will be fundamental to meeting these targets.
What is a Clean Air Zone?
Introduction
A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is a geographical area where co-ordinated action is taken to reduce pollution and improve air quality. A CAZ promotes sustainable growth and supports the transition to a low-emission economy.
At their core, Clean Air Zones target the main source of air quality degradation - internal combustion engines. Clean Air Zones deter polluting vehicles and encourage cleaner transport. Electric vehicles are most optimal because they produce less CO2 and have no tailpipe emissions. Research shows that electrification of fleet and passenger vehicles can bring major benefits to air quality, health and climate.
There are two types of Clean Air Zone:
A non-charging CAZ incorporates a range of softer measures that will lead to a natural reduction in pollution over time.
A charging CAZ is a more direct approach which will levy fees against owners of non-compliant polluting vehicles. Electric vehicles are always exempt.
There is no requirement for an authority to implement a charging zone. However, for areas with the highest concentrations of NO2, a charging CAZ will most likely be necessary for effecting rapid change.
Governance
By law, local authorities are required to monitor and control air quality. Government has taken steps to remedy pollution levels by directing 36 local authorities to produce Clean Air Plans. A CAZ is the core instrument of most Clean Air Plans, used to deliver immediate air quality improvements.
In it's Clean Air Zone Framework, the government sets out the expected approach for CAZ implementation. Beyond framework rules, the local authority controls it's own CAZ based on the local need. Charges, operating hours, exemptions, and transition periods are likely to vary between zones.
How Clean Air Zones work
Vehicle owners pay a fee for travelling inside a Clean Air Zone if:
- their vehicle is restricted by the type of charging zone
- their vehicle fails to meet minimum emission standards
Types of charging zone
There are four types of charging Clean Air Zone (Class A to D).
Class A zones are the least restrictive. Class D zones affect all vehicles:
Minimum emission standards
Vehicles that do not conform to the more recent Euro emission standards are deemed 'non-compliant' in a CAZ. These vehicles are likely to contribute higher levels of pollution and will therefore incur zone charges.
To be 'compliant' and avoid CAZ charges, vehicles must meet minimum standards:
Euro 6 is the minimum standard for diesel vehicles. Euro 5 or lower will incur charges.
Euro 4 is the minimum standard for petrol vehicles. Euro 3 or lower will incur charges.
Euro standards explained
Euro standards set legal limits on vehicle exhaust emissions. Euro 6 is the latest standard, active since 2015. Newer iterations have stricter limits than older ones, resulting in less polluting vehicles over time. A CAZ encourages people to own newer, cleaner vehicles with recent Euro standards.
As a rough guide:
- Euro 6 applies to vehicles first registered from September 2015
- Euro 4 applies to vehicles first registered from January 2006
A vehicle's official Euro standard can be confirmed in it's logbook.
Checking a vehicle
Vehicles owners can check if they need to pay a CAZ charge using the GOV.UK Drive in a Clean Air Zone Service. Vehicle category, fuel type, and emissions can be checked instantly via number plate entry.
Zone locations
Full details of CAZ locations and maps can be viewed on the relevant local authority's website. Postcodes can be searched to confirm coverage.
Paying for CAZ charges
CAZ charges are paid online using credit / debit card via government's online payment system. Businesses with multiple vehicles can create an account for efficiency.
CAZ charges can be paid:
- up to 6 days in advance
- on the day of entering a zone
- within the following 6 days
Fines for non payment of CAZ charges are set by the local authority. The expected approach (currently in use by Bath and Birmingham) is to issue a Penalty charge notice (PCN). This is a £120 fine, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.
Active Clean Air Zones
Clean Air Zone Bath (CAZ C)
In March 2021, Bath became the first city outside of London to launch a CAZ.
The Class C CAZ is the principal measure of Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council's Clean Air Plan. The plan includes traffic management measures and financial support for business owners.
The Class C CAZ operates 24 hours a day, all year round. Owners of non-compliant vehicles must pay daily charges ranging from £9 to £100. Private cars are not charged. The CAZ is enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras (ANPR). The zone covers Bath's city centre (view map).
Full information can be found on the B&NES website.
B&NES offers grants and interest-free finance for upgrading existing non-compliant vehicles. Government grants are also available to help with the cost of EV chargepoint installation at homes and businesses.
Find out about the business Workplace Charging Scheme
Find out about the domestic Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme
Clean Air Zone Birmingham (CAZ D)
Birmingham is the UK's second CAZ outside of London, launched in June 2021.
The CAZ D CAZ operates round the clock and restricts a wide range of vehicles, including private cars. Owners of non-compliant vehicles pay either £8 or £50 per day. Once a charge is paid, access is unlimited for that whole day.
Full details of the CAZ can be viewed on the Birmingham City Council website.
Future Clean Air Zones
Other cities have secured government funding and are set to launch Clean Air Zones within the next 1-2 years:
Other planned CAZs
The cities of Bradford and Newcastle are due to implement a CAZ in 2021. Zones are proposed for Manchester and Liverpool from 2022.
Oxford's Zero Emission Zone
Oxford will pilot the first Zero Emission Zone across eight city centre streets in August 2021. Charges will be levied at all petrol, diesel and even hybrid vehicles. Only fully electric vehicles will not be charged.
London's Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
The ULEZ in London has been active since 2019, resulting in significant emissions reductions. The ULEZ is similar to a CAZ D, and will expand to cover 140 sq. miles in October 2021. Non-compliant vehicle drivers are charged £12.50 per day.
Implications
A key question arising from Clean Air Zones is that of personal civic responsibility. It's easy for any individual or business to simply pay the charge and drive though a CAZ using a non-compliant truck, van or car. The question is, should they do that if they are able to upgrade to a cleaner, less polluting vehicle? For those who take pride in their city and value how others perceive them, this is an important decision.
Of course, for many people, it may not be viable to switch to an electric vehicle right now. But Clean Air Zones can be supported in other ways too. This includes reducing journeys and with alternatives like walking, cycling and public transport.
Unfortunately, we know that clean air is not a right. Polluted air is inhaled by over 90% of the world's population, contributing to about 7 million deaths each year. Clean, healthy air will be a precious thing to treasure, if we can achieve it.
Useful Information
FAQs
Are local authorities required to implement a CAZ?
No. If a local authority is breaching air pollution limits, it will need to take action. A CAZ is just one option. However, if an authority chooses not to implement a CAZ, it will need to show that their alternative will deliver compliance just as quickly.
What vehicles are exempt in a charging CAZ?
Normally, special vehicles are exempt. This includes classic cars, vehicles used by disabled persons, emergency service and community transport vehicles etc.
What about parked vehicles?
Non-compliant vehicles that are parked in the CAZ will not be charged (if they are not moved). Any movement will incur the daily charge.
Is there a legal basis for imposing CAZ fees?
Yes, the Transport Act 2000 gives local authorities the ability to enforce charging schemes (like a CAZ) for road vehicle usage.
Can I enter and exit a CAZ at will?
Fees are charged per day or according to the hours of operation. You can enter and exit a CAZ as many times as you like if you have paid the session charge.
What are the hours of operation for a CAZ?
Currently, the zones of Bath and Birmingham operate constantly, all year round. Other zones are likely to adopt the same model but this is not guaranteed.
Will the government alter the CAZ Framework?
Revisions are possible but will include adjustment periods. Government intends to keep emission standards for zones in place until at least 2025.
Will Clean Air Zones be removed later?
Removal is unlikely - even if NO2 limits are met. CAZ implementation is costly to implement and removing a zone would be a backward step in many ways.
Can the rules for an existing CAZ change?
Yes, local authorities will regularly review and can make adjustments as required. This could include the class of zone, terms of operation, zone boundaries etc.
Question about a Clean Air Zone? Send us an email
Links
CAZ Guidance
Clean Air Zones explained
Clean Air Zone Framework
Read the full CAZ Framework here
Bath CAZ Website
Full details of Bath's Clean Air Zone
Birmingham's CAZ Website
Full details of Birmingham's Clean Air Zone
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