A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is an area, such as a city or part of a city, where targeted action is taken to improve air quality. One definition is "a specified area in which vehicles are required to meet minimum emission standards." Action is often aimed at city transport. However some cities describe their general clean air program as a CAZ and the traffic part as a low-emission zone.
The main purpose of a CAZ is to reduce deaths and disease from air pollution. Other benefits may include increased productivity and road safety. Public consultation is key when trying to create a CAZ. When creating a CAZ public transport may be upgraded.
Breathe Cities is a collaboration between Bloomberg Philanthropies, Clean Air Fund and C40 Cities which supports cities to have cleaner air by helping with data, awareness, policymaking and co-operation between cities.
Benefits Children's lungs may be healthier. Cardiovascular health may be improved. Workforce productivity may increase due to less sickness.
United Kingdom Whether a vehicle is charged when entering or moving through a CAZ depends on the type of vehicle and the Euro standard of the vehicle. The amount charged is up to the local authority responsible for the CAZ. Ultra-low-emission vehicles are not charged when entering or moving through a Clean Air Zone.
Classes of charging Clean Air Zone Class Vehicle Euro Category Charge applies to vehiclesbelow this Euro standard Bus CoachM3Euro VI Taxi and private hireM2, M1Euro 6 (diesel)Euro 4 (petrol) Bus CoachM3Euro VI Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) N2, N3 Taxi and private hireM2, M1Euro 6 (diesel)Euro 4 (petrol) Bus CoachM3Euro VI Heavy goods vehicle (HGV)N2, N3 Taxi and private hireM2, M1Euro 6 (diesel)Euro 4 (petrol) MinibusM2 Light goods vehicle (LGV)N1 Bus CoachM3Euro VI Heavy goods vehicle (HGV)N2, N3 MinibusM2Euro 6 (diesel)Euro 4 (petrol) Light goods vehicle (LGV)N1 Taxi and private hireM1 Private carsMotorcycles (optional) Mopeds (optional)Euro 3
List of Clean Air Zones
Operational Region Type Date of implementation Scope Notes ReferencesBathClass CA wide central areaReduced nitrogen dioxide levels by 26% in 2022/2023, meeting legal standards.BirminghamClass DAll the roads within but not including the A4540 Ring RoadBradfordClass C+The area inside and including the Bradford outer ring road, extending to Shipley and Saltaire.BristolClass DA wide central area extending the North Somerset boundary, including the main route between Wales and Bristol Airport.Originally planned as class B with additional diesel vehicle ban in parts of city centre between 07:00 and 15:00. Changed to class D due to government rejection.DerbyNon-chargingTraffic management measures on Stafford StreetNewcastleClass CCity centre, including bridges over the River Tyne and bridge approaches across the river in GatesheadNottinghamNon-chargingRetrofitting buses, regulating taxis, converting council-owned vehiclesPortsmouthClass BCity centre area excluding port and naval baseSheffieldClass CInner ring road and the city centreSouthamptonNon-chargingRetrofitting buses, regulating taxis, cleaner fuels and equipment at Southampton's port, cycling infrastructure
Planned or suspended Region Type Scope Notes ReferencesGreater ManchesterClass BAll local roads in the countyTaxis and private hire vehicles registered within county exempt for first 12 months. Under review.LeedsClass BCity centreAll roads within the boundary of the A61 and A63. Plans postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic in England.LeicesterClass APlans scrapped.
Other emission zones Greater London has a Low Emission Zone and an Ultra Low Emission Zone, covering the majority of the city In central London there is a Congestion Charge, a different type of charge for motor vehicles Oxford has a Zero Emission Zone in the city centre Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee each have a Low Emission Zone in their centres +Other LEZ in the UKRegionTypeStart dateScopeNotes/referencesLondonLEZ2008Covers HGVs and buses around the Greater London areaLondonULEZ2019 (expanded in 2021 and 2023)Covers all other vehicles in the same area as the LEZOxfordZEZ2022Covers all non-electric vehicles in the city centre. Operational 07:00 to 19:00 including SundaysGlasgowLEZ2018 (expanded to cars in 2023)Covers the city centre
Notes
References
External links Nitrogen Dioxide Emissions - Euro 6 vs Older Euro Standard Engines Carbon Monoxide Emissions - Euro 6 vs Older Euro Standard Engines