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Accurate Clean Air Zone and ULEZ Maps of the UK

Am I in a clean air zone?

ULEZ and Clean Air Zone Postcode Checker

ULEZ zones and clean air zones are popping up and changing all over the country. There are several cities with clean air zones and more on the way. Use this interactive map with postcode search to find out which clean air zone you're located in.

 

Simply enter your FULL postcode into the search box in the top right corner of the map and click search. This will check all of the current clean air zones before outputting whether you're in a zone and if so, which one.

Bespoke ULEZ and Clean Air Zone Maps

GB Maps create a lot of bespoke maps for clients all over the world. ULEZ zones and congestion areas are well known within London but we've also created many printable maps of other cities within the UK. We can create Bath Ulez maps, Sheffield Congestion zone maps and many more.

We can also create custom maps of the proposed ULEZ zones. As long as the Government have released the proposed areas we can create any sort of map for the area.

Custom ULEZ Mapping Applications

As you can see from our bespoke mapping tools, we've created many different interactive mapping tools. We can take any of your company branding and data before integrating it within one of our tools.

Get in touch with us to see a list of demos or get some more information about what we can create.

Call or message us today to talk about your project. Tel 01751 473136 or Contact Form

What are ULEZ and Clean Air Zones?

ULEZ Zone (Ultra Low Emission Zone)

The ULEZ is an area in which vehicles must meet strict emission standards or pay a daily charge to travel. Initiated in London, its primary aim is to reduce harmful air pollution and protect public health. Vehicles that don't meet the required Euro 6 standard for diesel engines and Euro 4 for petrol engines are typically subject to the charge.

Clean Air Zone (CAZ)

Similar to the ULEZ, a Clean Air Zone is an area where targeted action is taken to improve air quality. This zone can be found in various UK cities. Within a CAZ, certain high-emission vehicles might be charged to enter, depending on the city's specific regulations. The goal is to encourage the use of greener vehicles and reduce pollution levels.

Both zones underscore the emphasis on cleaner, more sustainable urban environments, combating air pollution, and promoting public health.

Which Clean Air Zones are in London?

Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

The LEZ covers most of Greater London and was introduced in 2008 to encourage the most polluting heavy diesel vehicles driving in the capital to become cleaner. The LEZ standards are in addition to the Congestion Charge and the ULEZ standards.

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, except Christmas Day (25 December). The zone was initially introduced in central London in April 2019, covering the same area as the Congestion Charge. However, from 25 October 2021, the ULEZ expanded to cover a larger area bounded by the North and South Circular Roads. Vehicles that do not meet the ULEZ emissions standards, and are not exempt, must pay a daily charge to drive within the zone.

It's worth noting that London also has a Congestion Charge zone, which is not specifically a Clean Air Zone, but has similar goals of reducing traffic and improving air quality in central London. The Congestion Charge is a £15 daily charge for driving a vehicle within the charging zone between 07:00 and 22:00, every day, except Christmas Day (25 December). The Congestion Charge is in addition to the ULEZ charge.

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Why do we Have Clean Air Zones?

Clean Air Zones (CAZs) have been introduced in various cities around the world, primarily as a response to the growing concerns about air pollution and its detrimental effects on public health and the environment. Here are the main reasons for the establishment of Clean Air Zones:

  • Public Health Concerns: Air pollution, especially from vehicle emissions, has been linked to a range of health issues, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and even premature death. Pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) are particularly harmful. By restricting or deterring the most polluting vehicles from entering certain areas, CAZs aim to reduce the levels of these harmful pollutants and protect public health.
  • Environmental Protection: Air pollution doesn't just affect human health; it also has detrimental effects on the environment. It can damage water sources, harm wildlife, reduce agricultural yields, and contribute to climate change. By reducing emissions in specific areas, CAZs help protect ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • Legal Obligations: Many countries have legal limits on air pollution levels, set by national or international bodies. When cities exceed these limits, they may face legal actions or hefty fines. Introducing CAZs is one way for cities to ensure they comply with these legal standards.
  • Promotion of Sustainable Transport: CAZs often have the added benefit of encouraging people to adopt more sustainable modes of transport. This might include walking, cycling, using public transport, or switching to electric or hybrid vehicles. Over time, this can lead to a broader shift in transportation habits, reducing overall emissions even outside the CAZs.
  • Economic Benefits: While there might be short-term economic concerns about introducing CAZs, especially from businesses that rely on older vehicles, there can be long-term economic benefits. Healthier populations mean lower healthcare costs and increased productivity. Moreover, cities with cleaner air can become more attractive to tourists, residents, and businesses.
  • Setting a Precedent: By introducing CAZs, cities can set a precedent for other areas to follow. This can lead to broader national or even international action on air pollution, amplifying the benefits of individual zones.
  • Public Awareness: The introduction of CAZs often brings with it increased public awareness about the dangers of air pollution. This can lead to broader public support for other environmental initiatives and a more informed public discourse on the topic.

What Types of Clean Air Zones are There?

Clean Air Zones (CAZs) are designated areas where access by certain polluting vehicles is restricted or deterred with the aim of improving the air quality. These zones are primarily set up in urban areas where air quality problems are most severe. The types of CAZs vary based on the level of restriction and the types of vehicles they target. Here are the main types of Clean Air Zones:

  • Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ): This is one of the strictest types of zones. In areas with a ULEZ, vehicles must meet tight emission standards or pay a daily charge. The London ULEZ is a prime example, where vehicles that do not meet the required standards are subject to a charge.
  • Low Emission Zone (LEZ): LEZs are areas where the most polluting vehicles are regulated. Depending on the city, this might mean that such vehicles are either discouraged from entering or must pay a fee if they do. The specific emission standards can vary.
  • Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ): As the name suggests, only vehicles with zero emissions, such as electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles, are allowed in these zones. Oxford, for instance, has introduced a ZEZ covering some parts of the city centre.
  • Clean Air Zone (CAZ): This is a broader category that can encompass various types of emission-reducing zones. The specifics of a CAZ, such as which vehicles are charged and how much, can vary significantly from one city to another. For instance, some CAZs might charge only commercial vehicles, while others might charge private cars as well.
  • Selective Charging Zones: In these zones, only specific types of vehicles that do not meet the required emission standards are charged. For example, older commercial vehicles might be charged, while private cars and newer commercial vehicles are not.
  • No Idling Zones: These are areas where vehicles are not allowed to remain stationary with their engines running. While they don't restrict vehicle access based on emissions, they aim to reduce air pollution by preventing vehicles from idling unnecessarily.

It's important to note that the specifics of each zone, such as the charges, the emission standards, and the types of vehicles targeted, can vary significantly based on local policies and the specific air quality challenges faced by each city. As air quality continues to be a pressing concern, more cities across the UK and globally are likely to consider implementing one or more of these types of zones in the future.

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Where are the Clean Air Zones in the UK?

England's Low Emissions Zones

Bath: The Bath Clean Air Zone was introduced on 15 March 2021. It is a class C CAZ, which means private cars and motorbikes are not charged to pass through the zone. However, buses, coaches, minibuses, light goods vehicles, and trucks are charged.

Birmingham: The Birmingham CAZ was launched on 1 June 2021. As a class D CAZ, all non-compliant vehicles are charged a fee ranging from £8 to £50. Electric and hybrid vehicles do not incur a charge, but the petrol or diesel engines in hybrid vehicles must meet the relevant criteria.

Bristol: The Bristol CAZ is set to be introduced on 28 November 2022. This chargeable class D zone will charge all high-emission vehicles, including private cars, to drive through the city centre.

Portsmouth: The Portsmouth Clean Air Zone was launched on 29 November 2021. This class B CAZ excludes private cars, motorcycles, and vans from any charges. However, drivers of non-compliant taxis and private hire vehicles must pay £10 per day, and non-compliant HGVs, buses, and coaches incur a charge of £50 per day.

Bradford: The Bradford Clean Air Zone will go live on 26 September 2022. This CAZ will include the Bradford outer ring road and extend along the Aire valley corridor to include Shipley and Saltaire.

Newcastle: Since 30th January 2022, drivers in Newcastle who use the worst-polluting lorries, buses, and taxis are charged to enter the city centre. Charges range between £12.50 and £50 a day.

Oxford: On 28 February 2022, Oxford launched a pilot Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) covering several streets in the city centre. All petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, pay a daily charge if driven in the current Oxford ZEZ between 7 am and 7 pm, unless they have a 100 percent discount or exemption.

Sheffield: Sheffield will implement a charging CAZ in early 2023. Its class C CAZ will charge buses, taxis, vans, and lorries to drive in the zone. Charges will be £10 per day for light good vehicles and taxis, rising to £50 per day for buses, coaches, and HGVs.

Scotland's Low Emission Zones

Glasgow: Glasgow was the first city in Scotland to implement a Low Emission Zone. Phase 2, which includes all vehicles, is now in operation and will be enforced from 1 June 2023.

It's worth noting that some cities, like Derby and Leeds, had initially proposed CAZs but later decided not to proceed with them due to various reasons. Additionally, other cities like Brighton and Norwich have low emission zones that currently apply only to local buses.

Which Cities are Proposing Clean Air Zones?

Manchester: A proposal has been made for a Clean Air Zone across Greater Manchester. The initial plan set for May 2022 was rejected, with new proposals set to be consulted on in 2023.

Aberdeen: Introduced a Low Emissions Zone in May 2022, but enforcement will not commence until May 2024. The zone will prohibit pre-Euro VI diesel cars (generally those registered before 2015) and pre-Euro IV petrol cars (generally those registered before 2006).

Dundee: Introduced a Low Emissions Zone in 2022, but it will not be enforced until May 2024. It follows the same vehicle rules as Aberdeen’s LEZ.

Edinburgh: Introduced a Low Emissions Zone that follows the same rules as Aberdeen and Dundee, with enforcement due to begin in June 2024.

Sheffield: Sheffield’s Clean Air Zone will begin operating in June 2023. It won't affect private vehicles for the time being. Older taxis, vans, and large vehicles will be subject to a charge for entering the zone.

These cities are in the planning or consideration phase for introducing LEZs or CAZs to combat air pollution and improve air quality. The specifics of each zone, such as the charges and the types of vehicles targeted, can vary significantly from one city to another.

Call or message us today to talk about your project. Tel 01751 473136 or Contact Form