It is unlikely that you have failed to hear about Clean Air Zones ‘CAZ’ mentioned in local and national media. With many of the CAZ scheduled to begin in 2022, you may be questioning where they will operate, when they will start operating and how they will affect you.

With the annual health cost of the impacts of very small particles in the air in the UK estimated to be around £16 billion, as well as the impact to health and the environment, it’s unsurprising that the UK has pledged its commitment to improve air quality in the UK with an overall aim of being carbon neutral by 2050.

To assist in meeting this aim, Local Authorities have a legal obligation to work towards the national Air Quality Strategy and regularly review and assess air quality in their areas which has resulted in several Local Authorities introducing or planning to introduce Clean Air Zones.

Currently Bath, Birmingham and Portsmouth have CAZ in operation. Bradford and Bristol are expected to introduce their CAZ by the end of 2022 (although implementation dates are not confirmed). Newcastle’s ability to implement in 2022 is in dispute, the Manchester CAZ is under review after it was confirmed it will not be implemented on 30th May 2022 as expected and the Sheffield CAZ pushed back until 2023. Other CAZ are expected to launch in 2022.

There are four classes of CAZ. Each class covers a different variety of vehicles. Private drivers will need to be concerned with Class D zones which covers cars (where not used as a taxi/private hire vehicle) and motorcycles at the Local Authority’s discretion.

Drivers will be subject to the CAZ charge if the vehicle they are driving does not meet the European Emissions Standard. Petrol cars must meet the Euro 4 standard (most cars since January 2006) or later whilst diesel cars must meet the Euro 6 standard (most cars since September 2015).

The Government offer a vehicle check service here that will confirm if the CAZ charge needs to be paid. The CAZ charge will be payable once every 24 hours and is payable online.

Once implemented, CAZ will need to be indicated by road signage and signage advising in advance of the CAZ should be installed to give the driver the opportunity to avoid the CAZ if they wish however, it may be wise that drivers routinely use the vehicle check service to ensure they are compliant with any CAZ that are currently in operation. The check service also indicates when other CAZ are due to be implemented.

There will be national and local exemptions available from the CAZ charge. Examples of national exemptions include disabled tax class vehicles and vehicles that are ultra low emission. Local exemptions are likely to be applicable for residents living in the CAZ zone, people attending medical appointments within the CAZ. You should check with the relevant Local Authority for more detail. Please see this link for more information on local exemption.