What is a Clean Air Zone?

Clean air, it sounds great, doesn’t it? It conjures up images of families frolicking in the mountains singing together, for those of a certain age. Or perhaps for the younger generations, a skyline free from smoke billowing from chimneys. Clean air means exactly what it says, keeping the air clean for us to breathe! It’s our lifeblood and recently, thanks to road traffic, it’s becoming deadly! We’re here to explore “what is a clean air zone” and how it affects you!

Last year in the UK 30,000 people lost their lives thanks to dirty air and at least a year is taken from people’s lifespan. Some estimates double the death toll, in many countries, it’s worse! We’ve just stood by accepting this for years… until now! Clean air zones are coming, so far you may have heard rumours, but by the end of the year they’ll be spreading throughout the UK! You need to be ready and prepared, if you ignore them you may en dup with significant harm to your wallet!

So, What is a Clean Air Zone?

A clean air zone is an inner-city area which needs urgent attention to improve the air quality as it’s affecting inhabitants’ health. It is implemented because the air quality is so poor and deadly, implementing a clean air zone is more a statement of an aspiration than a statement of the current position. To achieve this aspiration, councils are taking a number of measures, including banning or penalising the most polluting vehicles from entering these areas.

Where are they?

Clean air zones will be introduced from Bath to Leeds, Southampton to Liverpool. We expect pretty much every major city to have a clean air zone over the next 5 years. Generally, the zone will be in a central area and well signed to ensure you can’t enter it by accident.

Can I Enter the Clean Air Zone?

Well, this is where it gets a little confusing. If you have a ULEV (plug-in hybrid or pure electric), currently, you can pretty much drive into any clean air zone; keep in mind, though, that consultation is ongoing. If, for example, you have a relatively newer, cleaner diesel car, you’ll be fine in Birmingham, but you won’t be able to drive in Bristol. Bearing in mind I drive myself from one to another regularly, as do many others; imagine the challenge.

What Happens if I enter a Clean Air Zone?

Smile for the camera! You and your number plate will be photographed. If your vehicle doesn’t meet the standard and you haven’t paid, you’ll be getting some bad news through the post very soon.

How Much is it to Drive Through?

Typically, between £8 for a car and £50 for an HGV. However, in some zones, you can’t legally enter driving a diesel or petrol car; the rules and charges vary widely between different zones. In a single day, you could easily drive between 3-4 different zones, all with different rules.

It Sounds a Little Confusing…

Unfortunately, it is, but we do need to do this, people are dying. However, the developed nature of the rollout leaves a lot to be desired. The government are developing a vehicle checker, due to be released promptly, that will allow you to check whether your vehicle is compliant in a number of clean air zones and pay for your entry to them. Note that you have to pay per zone.

How can I Future-Proof my Motoring?

there are only 2 ways to avoid clean air zone costs and disruption. Either stick to public transport or, if you prefer your own space, go electric. We can help employees go electric for lower costs than running a 5-year-old diesel, so it really makes sense to make the switch. Public transport works, but it’s not as reliable as one might like. Take Birmingham for example, they have the worst public transport system and the council freely admit that it is not fit for purpose!

Look on the positive side, this is ultimately about saving lives. With busy lifestyles, these zones are probably another costly headache that we can all do without. Plan ahead on your trips to cities, check the government website, or better still, go electric while the benefits are so huge!

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