Clean Air Zone Calculator

A CAZ is a defined area where targeted action is taken to improve air quality by discouraging the most polluting vehicles from entering. Non-compliant vehicles (older diesels and petrols) pay a daily charge. The UK has several active CAZs including Birmingham (Class D), Bristol (Class D), Bradford (Class C), Bath (Class C), and Portsmouth (Class B). Each city sets its own charge levels.

Compliant vehicles are: diesel vehicles meeting Euro 6 emission standards (generally manufactured from September 2015), petrol vehicles meeting Euro 4 (generally from January 2006), and all electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles, and Euro 6 hybrids. You can check your vehicle's compliance on the GOV.UK Clean Air Zone vehicle checker using your registration number.

If you drive a non-compliant vehicle into a CAZ without paying, you receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £120 (reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days). For HGVs and buses, penalties can be higher. Cameras automatically read number plates and check against the compliance database. The charge must be paid by midnight the following day.

Common exemptions include: military vehicles, historic vehicles (over 30 years old), vehicles used by disabled people (with Blue Badge), emergency vehicles, and in some zones, vehicles making deliveries to specific areas. Each city has its own exemption policy. Some cities also offer temporary exemptions or scrappage schemes for local residents.

Options include: upgrading to a compliant vehicle (Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4+ petrol), switching to electric, using public transport, car-sharing with a compliant vehicle, applying for exemptions if eligible, and checking scrappage schemes that offer grants towards replacement vehicles. Many cities offer interest-free loans or grants for local businesses to upgrade.