Low Emission Zones & City Toll In The UK

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Before driving in the UK, it's essential to be aware of the Low Emission Zones that have been adopted throughout the country. There are defined areas where higher polluting vehicles are charged or restricted for entry. In the UK, the first LEZ was introduced in 2008 and included the entire Greater London area, but it only affected lorries/trucks, coaches, buses, and vans. Today, there are clean air zones in many UK Cities, and both cars and motorbikes are affected by the UK government regulations as well.

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Understanding the emission regulations as they apply to residents and foreigners alike is a must for driving in the UK. As it can be complicated, this guide will explain all the ins and outs of the British LEZ.

What Are Clean Air Zones and Low Emission Zones?

Low Emissions Zones UK, also referred to as LEZ, or sometimes Clean Air Zone (CAZ), are terms that are used interchangeably. They are areas in British cities that drivers of higher-polluting vehicles must pay to drive through. The goal is to encourage drivers to use vehicles that do not pollute as much, or switch to public transport. These low emission zones are used in many European countries to help improve air quality in more congested areas.

In London, there are fees for the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and a Congestion Charge. They have different operating hours and purposes in addition to affecting different vehicles. The key difference between the ULEZ and the Congestion Charge is that the ULEZ focuses on vehicle emissions. These rules apply to all vehicles that don't meet certain emission standards regardless of where they are in the British capital. The Congestion Charge is mainly a traffic management tool. Vehicles that enter a certain central London zone during peak hours, no matter what their emissions levels, are charged. That means that vehicles can be subject to both types of fees if they don't meet the ULEZ standards and also enter a Congestion Charge Zone.

ULEZ: This covers all boroughs in London with the exception of the M25. This applies 24 hours a day, 365 days a day, except Christmas Day.

Congestion Charge: This covers the central London area. It's in operation between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 12 noon through 6 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays.

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Why Have Clean Air Zones and Low Emission Zones Been Introduced?

The Clean Air Zones (CAZ) or Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are policies developed by the British government to try and reduce air pollution and improve air quality. The reduced car use, and ultimately lower pollution that results, has been associated in scientific research with a reduction in cardiovascular outcomes in particular, such as strokes and heart disease.

London's LEZ was launched in 2008 and is the oldest of the capital’s emission control schemes. A September 2021 mayor's report noted that the "emissions standards for the scheme have increased over time so it has progressively made a significant contribution to improving air quality." Even before higher standards were officially launched, increasing from Euro IV to Euro VI, there were high levels of compliance resulting in improvements to the city's air quality.

There has been a significant rise in European-wide LEZ, with many countries throughout the continent (and beyond) installing LEZs with the long-term goal of improving public health. That includes:

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Where Are Clean Air Zones and Low Emission Zones Located in the UK?

London

The Low Emission Zones (LEZ)/Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in the British capital cover most of Greater London. This is in operation every day of the year, 24 hours a day. Keep in mind that the LEZ is separate from the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which as we explained, operates in the same zone, covering all London boroughs other than the M25. It is focused on vehicle emissions, applying to all higher-polluting vehicles everywhere in Greater London.

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Additionally, the Congestion Charge covering the central London area is a traffic management tool. That means vehicles entering a specific zone in central London during peak hours will be charged regardless of their emissions levels. It is in operation from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 12 noon through 6 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays.

Other Cities

There are many other cities in the UK with Low Emission/Clean Air Zones.

Detailed City Breakdown

Birmingham: Effective on June 1, 2021, and in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the Birmingham LEZ covers an area of the city center within the A4540 Middleway.

Oxford: The first phase of the Oxford LEZ began in February 2022. It covers a central area of the city center although a wider zone is expected in the near future.

Glasgow: Covering a one-square-mile area in the city center, the Glasgow LEZ launched in June 2023. It's bordered by the River Clyde to the south, the M8 motorway to the west and north, and High Street/Saltmarket to the east. It also includes the University of Strathclyde, the Glasgow School of Art, and Glasgow Caledonian University.

Bath: The LEZ in Bath was officially launched on March 5, 2021. The Class C LEZ targets the most polluting vehicles such as lorries/trucks, vans, coaches, buses, and taxis. It covers High Common and Royal Victoria Park to the northwest and extends east to the Bathwick area and King Edward’s School campus. It also covers the A36 road and some turnoffs, and parts of Wells Road and Oldfield Road.

Bradford: Established in September 2022, the Bradford LEZ includes the area inside and including the Brandford outer ring road. It also extends along the Aire Valley corridor, (Manningham Lane/Bradford Road and Canal Road area) to include Shipley and Saltaire.

Portsmouth: Officially launched in November 2021, the Portsmouth LEZ covers approximately two square miles to the southwest of town extending to Portsmouth Harbour on the westernmost side.

Manchester: The Greater Manchester area, including the city of Manchester, does not have a LEZ with its proposed plan canceled in favor of an investment-led approach to clean air.

Aberdeen: The LEZ Aberdeen was unveiled in 2022, however, it was not officially enforced until June 1, 2024. At that point, only compliant cars and vans have been allowed in the city center. The LEZ covers a small, central area around Castlegate to the east, and the Union Street area to the west, with the main train and bus station outside of the zone.

Dundee: The Dundee LEZ was introduced in 2022, also with a two-year grace period that recently ended on June 1, 2024. It is located within the A991 Inner Ring Road in the city center. It excludes the Bell Street, West Marketgait NCP, and Wellgate car parks. As the ring road is not part of the LEZ, Tay Road Bridge can be accessed by all vehicles.

Edinburgh: The Low Emission Zone Edinburgh officially began on June 1, 2024. It primarily covers the heart of the city, including the city center and popular areas like Princes Street, Old Town, and Waverly Station, with the northern boundary at Queen Street, extending towards Holyrood House to the east.

Newcastle: Launched on January 30, 2023, the Newcastle LEZ covers the city center and routes over the River Tyne. Private cars and motorbikes are exempt from charges as the regulations target more polluting, older vehicles such as trucks/lorries, coaches, buses, vans, and taxis.

Sheffield: Established on February 27, 2023, Sheffield also affects the more heavily-polluting vehicles with its LEZ covering the city center area within the boundary of A61 plus the University of Sheffield on its westernmost side, extending to a small part of the A57 at its easternmost end.

Low Emission Zone Map

To help you get a better understanding of the LEZs and CAZs in the UK's major cities, we've provided a map highlighting these areas:

Paying the LEZ or CAZ Charge

To determine whether or not you need to pay a LEZ charge zone in the UK, you can use the Transport for London (TfL)website. All you have to do is enter your registration number to see if your vehicle meets the required emission standards. If it does not, you will have to pay the charge when driving within the LEZ/CAZ zone. Keep in mind that larger vehicles are more likely to be affected by LEZ charges.

All cities in the UK have different prices and rules for their environmental zones. However, you can pay the LEZ or CAZ charge multiple ways in any of them. That includes:

Online. Pay with a debit or credit card at gov.uk

Phone. Call the National Contact Centre Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., or Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 0300 029 8888.

Payments can be made up to six days in advance of your visit, on the day of your visit, or as many as six days after your visit. The charge period is from midnight to midnight. The fee must be paid by 11:59 p.m. on the sixth day after driving into a LEZ. If you do not pay within that time frame, you are likely to receive a penalty charge notice (PCN).

In the UK, there are different penalty structures for non-payment of fines depending on the city, again, each city sets its own rules. Penalty charges are higher in London. Smaller vehicles may be charged £100 daily or a £500 PCN but larger vehicles face a daily charge of £200 or a £1,000 PCN for non-payment. In Aberdeen and Glasgow, the initial penalty is £60, but it's reduced by 50% if it's paid within 14 days.

The UK does require some vehicles to display environmental badge stickers depending on where they're going and their particular license plate. For example, vehicles registered outside of the UK when driving in London must pay a daily charge or meet the emission standards. If you believe your vehicle meets those standards, it can be registered with the EPC plc and you will receive an email with the outcome.

Tollwayr can register the license plate of your passenger car, van, motorcycle, minibus, coach, or heavy goods vehicle. This is a quick, convenient way to handle the process with prices for a standard car in London, for example, starting at £39.95.

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LEZ Charge Zones

The cost to enter a LEZ or CAZ can range from zero to £300, depending on your vehicle and the particular zone. For example, in London's ULEZ most charges are much less for cars as compared to heavy goods vehicles that don't meet the emission standards which are charged the maximum £300. Drivers of all cars, vans, and motorcycles up to 3.5 tons that don't meet the emission standards are required to pay a £12.50 charge per day.

Exceptions from the LEZ and CAZ Charges

Certain vehicles are exempt from the LEZ and CAZ charges, including those that meet the following criteria. Be aware that if your vehicle is exempt based on any of these criteria but is registered outside of the UK, you will have to register but you are still exempt.

  1. Specialist vehicles primarily built for off-road use but occasionally use roads for limited purposes such as tractors, mowing machines, and farm machinery
  2. Vehicles operated by the Ministry of Defence
  3. Vehicles with historic tax class
  4. Vehicles built before 1973

FAQ

How do I know if I’ve entered a LEZ or CAZ?
Look for road signs indicating the entry into a LEZ or CAZ. These are usually marked with symbols and text, and you may receive notifications via navigation systems.
Non-payment can result in a penalty charge notice (PCN), which could lead to increased fines and legal action if ignored.
Typically, older diesel and petrol vehicles that do not meet specific Euro emission standards are affected.
You can check your vehicle’s emissions standard and compare it with the LEZ requirements on government websites or LEZ-specific portals.
Yes, fines are enforceable even for non-UK residents, and non-payment may cause issues if you visit the UK in the future.
To contest a fine, follow the instructions on the penalty notice. This usually involves submitting an appeal with evidence proving your claim.
If the classification is incorrect, you should contact the issuing authority immediately with evidence (e.g., vehicle registration documents) to correct the error and contest any penalties.