TL;DR
ULEZ in London and Clean Air Zones in Birmingham, Bath, Bristol, Sheffield, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Bradford and Tyneside charge non-compliant vehicles a daily fee. Most cars meeting Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol standards are exempt.
Several UK cities now operate Ultra Low Emission Zones or Clean Air Zones that charge non-compliant vehicles a daily fee. London's ULEZ charges £12.50 a day, and Clean Air Zones in Birmingham, Bath, Bristol, Sheffield, Newcastle, Portsmouth, Bradford and Tyneside charge varying rates. Most cars meeting Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol standards are exempt.
London ULEZ
Transport for London's Ultra Low Emission Zone covers all London boroughs since the 2023 expansion. Non-compliant cars, vans, motorcycles and minibuses pay a £12.50 daily charge.
Heavy goods vehicles and coaches pay £100 a day. Buses, taxis and some specialist vehicles are subject to separate emissions rules. TfL publishes an online checker at tfl.gov.uk where drivers can enter the registration to confirm compliance.
Birmingham Clean Air Zone
Birmingham's Clean Air Zone covers a defined area around the city centre. Non-compliant cars pay £8 a day, vans and minibuses £8, and heavy goods vehicles and coaches £50.
Some local exemptions apply for residents within the zone, registered local businesses and visitors to specific hospitals or care homes. Brumbreathes.co.uk hosts the council's payment and registration portal.
Other Clean Air Zones
Bath, Bristol, Sheffield, Portsmouth and Bradford operate Class C Clean Air Zones, charging buses, coaches, lorries and taxis but not private cars. Newcastle and Tyneside operate a Class B zone, charging lorries, buses, coaches and taxis.
Class D zones, which charge cars as well, apply only in London and Birmingham. The charge levels and exemptions vary, so drivers should check the local authority's website before travelling.
Which vehicles are compliant
Cars meeting Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol emissions standards are compliant across the UK schemes. Most petrol cars registered from 2006 onwards and diesel cars registered from September 2015 onwards meet the requirements.
Drivers can check compliance using the gov.uk Drive in a Clean Air Zone service or the relevant scheme's vehicle checker. The check returns a clear compliant or non-compliant answer based on DVLA registration data.
Penalties for non-payment
Failing to pay the daily charge results in a Penalty Charge Notice from the relevant local authority. The fine is typically £180 reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days, on top of the unpaid charge.
Repeat non-payment can be enforced through the courts and can affect credit records. Drivers should check the relevant scheme's website if unsure whether a journey is liable.
Key facts
- London ULEZ charges £12.50 a day for non-compliant cars.
- Birmingham charges £8 a day for non-compliant cars.
- Bath, Bristol, Sheffield, Portsmouth and Bradford do not charge cars.
- Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol cars are compliant.
- Penalty Charge Notices typically £180, reduced to £90.
FAQ
Which cities have Clean Air Zones that charge cars?
London and Birmingham. Bath, Bristol, Sheffield, Portsmouth and Bradford operate zones that do not charge private cars. Newcastle and Tyneside charge lorries, buses, coaches and taxis.
How do I check if my car is compliant?
Use the gov.uk Drive in a Clean Air Zone service or Transport for London's vehicle checker for ULEZ. Enter your registration number for a clear answer based on DVLA data.
What if I forget to pay?
A Penalty Charge Notice is issued, typically £180 reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days, on top of the unpaid charge. Repeat non-payment can be enforced through the courts.
Are there local exemptions?
Some schemes offer exemptions for residents, registered local businesses or visitors to specific hospitals or care homes. Check the relevant local authority's website.
