Stephen Buckley, the Sales Manager of Fleetmaxx in Burnley, is highlighting to his customers that, this year, Clean Air Zones (CAZ), or green zones, will be launched in cities throughout the country. If you’re in the wrong vehicle within one of these zones, entering could cost you £50 a day or more.
Where are these Clean Air Zones?
There are eight Clean Air Zones currently in operation or proposed. They are:
Birmingham Clean Air Zone was one of the first to implement this scheme and has been doing so for some time now while the launch of Greater Manchester’s CAZ is going through the review stage.
Other schemes are also live, such as the Bristol Clean Air Zone, launched in November 2022 or the Sheffield Clean Air Zone, which became live in February 2023.
In some of these green zones, charges are yet to be enforced (vans won’t have to pay in the Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone until July, even though it is already live).
Oxford is another location promoting a more environmentally friendly world by implementing a Zero Emission Zone in their city centre, where only fully electric vehicles can enter free of charge.
Why are Clean Air Zones being launched?
So, why have these Clean Air Zones suddenly been announced around the UK? The government are trying their best to tackle climate change and is using these schemes to allow the public the power to do something about it themselves and stick to it. The leading pollution issue in towns and cities across the UK has been mainly down to transportation, Clean Air Zones can be implemented to deter dirtier vehicles and encourage greener ones, such as electric vehicles, which have zero emissions.
Can only electric cars and vans enter Clean Air Zones?
The short answer is no. While every Clean Air Zone allows pure electric cars and vans in without charge, petrol and diesel (ICE) vehicles can still enter without needing to pay. Although, it is expected that each zone will have different rules than others.
Generally, if your ICE or hybrid vehicle is a Euro 4 petrol or Euro 6 diesel emissions standard or better, entering one of these green zones should be no problem.
If you’re unsure whether your car meets the Euro emissions standards, a general rule of thumb is if your vehicle was built after 2014 and your van after 2016, Clean Air Zones should be free to drive through.
How can I check if my vehicle is allowed into a CAZ?
It’s extremely unlikely you will have your Euro emissions test certificate or an emissions diagnostic machine to hand.
However, there’s no need to worry; finding out if you’ll incur a charge is very simple. The Government has launched a Low Emission Zone and Clean Air Zone checker where you can input which area you’re planning on entering and your vehicle’s registration.
This will notify you if it is free or costs money – and if so, how much.
What’s the cost if you’re not compliant?
How much it costs to enter a green zone does depend on each one, as the parameters are set by each local council based on their air quality targets.
For example, non-compliant lorries, buses and coaches will be hit with £50-a-day charges in Newcastle and Gateshead, while non-compliant vans and taxis will be charged £12.50.
In Sheffield, charges range from £10 to £50 per day, depending on the vehicle, while an entry into the London Ultra Low Emission Zone costs £12.50 for all non-compliant vehicles.
Make sure you pay charges on time, as penalties for late or non-payment range from £90 to £180 in the ULEZ.
How can MaxxEv from Fleetmaxx Solutions help businesses navigate Clean Air Zones?
For many businesses, there are a lot of questions about moving to electric vehicles, but Clean Air Zones are one area where running an EV is far simpler than ICE vehicles, and another is home charging.
Mina Homecharge® makes this simple by helping to manage and accurately pay for all business EV home charging costs direct to drivers’ energy suppliers.
Mina also offers other clever insights, such as the carbon impact of company EVs. At the same time, Mina Chargepass® gives drivers access to a network of thousands of rapid and ultra-rapid public charge points.
For more information or advice on Clean Ara Zone, please contact Stephen Buckley at 01282 340074.
