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Low Emission Zones in the United Kingdom

8 Low Emission Zones

Overview

The United Kingdom operates 8 Low Emission Zones across England, designed to improve air quality in urban areas by restricting the most polluting vehicles. These zones fall into two main categories: the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London and Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in cities such as Birmingham, Bristol, Bradford, and others.

London’s ULEZ, expanded to cover all of Greater London in August 2023, is the largest emission zone in the UK. Clean Air Zones vary by category (A, B, C, or D), each targeting different vehicle types. Non-compliant vehicles are not banned outright but face daily charges ranging from £8 to £50 depending on the zone and vehicle type.

Regulations

London’s ULEZ requires petrol vehicles to meet at least Euro 4 and diesel vehicles to meet at least Euro 6 standards. Non-compliant vehicles are charged £12.50 per day for cars, vans, and motorcycles. Heavier vehicles such as trucks, buses, and coaches fall under the separate Low Emission Zone (LEZ) with charges up to £100–£300 per day.

Clean Air Zones outside London are classified into categories A through D. Category A targets buses, coaches, and taxis. Category B adds heavy goods vehicles. Category C adds light goods vehicles. Category D, the strictest, also includes cars. Birmingham and Bristol operate Category D zones, while others may differ. CAZ charges typically range from £8 per day for cars to £50 per day for heavy goods vehicles and buses.

All zones use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras for enforcement. Foreign-registered vehicles are also subject to charges and must pay in advance or on the day of travel.

Who must comply

Compliance requirements vary by zone type. London ULEZ applies to virtually all motor vehicles, while CAZ categories target different vehicle classes.

Zones — 8

Aberdeen Low Emission Zone
Aberdeen Low Emission Zone
Birmingham Clean Air Zone
Birmingham Clean Air Zone
Bristol Clean Air Zone
Bristol Clean Air Zone
Dundee Low Emission Zone
Dundee Low Emission Zone
Edinburgh Low Emission Zone
Edinburgh Low Emission Zone
Glasgow Low Emission Zone
Glasgow Low Emission Zone
London Ultra Low Emission Zone
London Ultra Low Emission Zone
Oxford Zero Emission Zone
Oxford Zero Emission Zone

Frequently asked questions

How much is the London ULEZ daily charge?
The ULEZ charge is £12.50 per day for cars, motorcycles, and vans. The charge applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can pay up to 3 days in advance or by midnight on the third day after travel. Failure to pay incurs a penalty charge of £180 (reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days).
Does ULEZ apply to foreign-registered vehicles?
Yes. All vehicles driving within the ULEZ must meet the emission standards, regardless of where they are registered. Foreign vehicles cannot be checked automatically, so you should use TfL's online checker and pay the charge before or on the day of travel.
What is the difference between ULEZ and a Clean Air Zone?
ULEZ is London-specific and operated by Transport for London (TfL). Clean Air Zones (CAZ) are operated by local councils in other English cities. While both charge non-compliant vehicles, they have different emission thresholds, charge levels, and operating hours. You need to check each zone individually.
Are electric vehicles exempt from ULEZ and CAZ charges?
Yes. Fully electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are exempt from both ULEZ and all Clean Air Zone charges. Plug-in hybrids may or may not be compliant depending on their Euro standard when running on the combustion engine.
How do I check if my vehicle is ULEZ compliant?
Transport for London provides a free online vehicle checker at tfl.gov.uk. Enter your registration number to see if your vehicle meets the required emission standard. For Clean Air Zones, each city council operates its own checker.

Check your vehicle compliance

Use our API to instantly verify if your vehicle meets the emission standards for London ULEZ and all UK Clean Air Zones.

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