What is a Clean Air Zone?
In 2015 the Government released plans to improve air quality across the UK through a variety of measures, including the implementation of ‘Clean Air Zones’ (CAZ).
Cities with the most persistent air quality problems will apply restrictions to encourage only the cleanest vehicles to operate within the boundaries of their Clean Air Zone (CAZ). Any vehicle not meeting the specified emission standards will be required to pay a fee to operate within the boundaries of that CAZ.
Some cities are looking to go further and create Low Emission Zones or Zero Emission Zones where a total ban of non-compliant vehicles may instead be introduced.
CAZ grades A, B, C and D explained
There are four grades of charging Clean Air Zones (CAZ) that local authorities can consider implementing, as set out in the Government’s national framework.
CAZ A
Has the fewest restrictions, and only charges buses, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles.
Minimum standards required for compliance are listed below:
|
Vehicle type |
Compliance standards |
|
Buses |
Euro VI |
|
Coaches |
Euro VI |
|
Taxis |
Euro 6 (Diesel) Euro 4 (Petrol) |
|
Private Hire Vehicles |
Euro 6 (Diesel) Euro 4 (Petrol) |
CAZ B
Charges HGVs in addition to the vehicles listed for Class A.
Minimum standards required for compliance are listed below:
|
Vehicle type |
Compliance standards |
|
Buses |
Euro VI |
|
Coaches |
Euro VI |
|
Taxis |
Euro 6 (Diesel) Euro 4 (Petrol) |
|
Private hire vehicles |
Euro 6 (Diesel) Euro 4 (Petrol) |
|
HGVs |
Euro VI |
CAZ C
Charges LGVs in addition to all those listed for Class B.
Minimum standards required for compliance are listed below:
|
Vehicle type |
Compliance standards |
|
Buses |
Euro VI |
|
Coaches |
Euro VI |
|
Taxis |
Euro 6 (Diesel) Euro 4 (Petrol) |
|
Private hire vehicles |
Euro 6 (Diesel) Euro 4 (Petrol) |
|
HGVs |
Euro VI |
|
LGVs |
Euro 6 (Diesel) Euro 4 (Petrol) |
CAZ D
Charges cars in addition to all those listed for Class C.
Minimum standards required for compliance are listed below:
|
Vehicle type |
Compliance standards |
|
Buses |
Euro VI |
|
Coaches |
Euro VI |
|
Taxis |
Euro 6 (Diesel) Euro 4 (Petrol) |
|
Private hire vehicles |
Euro 6 (Diesel) Euro 4 (Petrol) |
|
HGVs |
Euro VI |
|
LGVs |
Euro 6 (Diesel) Euro 4 (Petrol) |
|
Cars |
Euro 6 (Diesel) Euro 4 (Petrol) |
|
Motorcycles and mopeds (optional) |
Euro 3 |
Three key asks on Clean Air Zones
-
Those affected by the Clean Air Zones need to be financially supported through funds that incorporate leasing and rental options.
-
A new, ring-fenced ‘Clean Freight Fund’ is needed to help commercial vehicle operators with the cost of fleet upgrades.
-
Government needs to maintain a comprehensive national framework for Clean Air Zones, providing a consistent approach to payment, signage, charges, communications and administration.
What actions has the BVRLA taken?
The BVRLA has been campaigning for a fleet-friendly approach to improving air quality in the UK's most polluted cities ever since the first Clean Air Zones (CAZs) were announced.
Roundtables
Throughout 2017 and 2018 the BVRLA co-hosted a series of roundtables with the Energy Savings Trust, Fleet News and ACFO in four of the first five cities considering a CAZ (Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, and Nottingham) as well as in Glasgow, the first of the Scottish cities to take steps towards a Low Emisison Zone (LEZ). These roundtbales offered a forum for local authority representatives to meet with local fleet operators and BVRLA members to discuss the impact and implementation of potetial CAZs in their city.
Resources
Following the roundtable discussions the BVRLA has produced a series of recommendations for local authrorities who are considering how to implement a CAZ. These recommendations are outlined within the association's 'Fleet-friendly Air Quality' factsheet for policy makers. Similarly the BVRLA has worked with the Road Haulage Association (RHA), the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), and the Frieght Transport Association (FTA) to produce a bespoke factsheet on the impact of CAZs on HGVs.
Influencing Decision Makers
The BVRLA has regular contact with policy makers in the cities currently considering CAZs, as well as at a national level with the Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU). Furthermore, the association meets with senior MPs, Peers and other engaged stakeholders frequently to discuss air quality measures and plans, including with relevant select committe members and chairs. Finally, the BVRLA has met with both Environment Minister, Dr Therese Coffey MP and Transport Minister, Jesse Norman MP during 2018 on the subject of CAZs and in particular the Government's vision on the use of charging CAZs across the UK.
When will this happen?
- 2015
The first five cities are instructed to investigate the implementation of clean measures including CAZs.
- 2018
Following a court case, an additional 33 local authrorities are instructed to consider air quality measures including, potentially, the introduction of a CAZ.
- October 2018
The air quality plans for the first five cities approved by Government.
- November 2018
Bath and Slough consult on their air quality plans.
- December 2018
The 23 Local Authorities under instruction in the second wave of Government CAZ mandates submit their final plans.
- April 2019
London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) begins operation.
- May 2019
Greater Manchester Combined Authority launches an informal, initial consultaion on clean air proposals.
- July 2019
Bristol and Sheffield City Councils launch their CAZ consultations. Respondents have until August 2019 to respond.
- October 2019
10 local authorities instructed as part of the third wave of 33 clean air cities are due to report back their findings from additional monitoring and assessment of pollution management in their location.
- 2020
Birmingham and Leeds City Councils are due to launch their charging Clean Air Zones at some point during 2020.
Which cities are considering a Clean Air Zone?
A map and details of cities mandated to consider clean air measures, including the implementation of a CAZ, is available on the BVRLA website:
