Types of Clean Air Zones – Class A to D

As the global population continues to grow, cities expand and the number of cars on our roads increases. At a time when climate change poses a bigger threat than ever, it doesn’t take a scientist to realise that the effect this will have is the polar opposite of what our planet needs.

On a smaller scale, those cities that keep getting bigger and more densely populated are simultaneously becoming less and less healthy for people to spend time in. In an effort to combat this, many councils have introduced – or plan to, at least – low emission zones, preventing many high-pollution vehicles from entering built-up areas unless they’re prepared to pay per day.

These charges are certainly not cheap, so you’ll want to make sure you’re not setting yourself up for a fee if you’re heading into a city centre by road. Many of the low-emission schemes set up around the country are broken down into ‘Classes’. Now, let us explain the difference between each Class, from A through to D.

Which Cities Currently Enforce Charges?

As of the end of August 2022, only three cities – Bath, Birmingham & Portsmouth – enforce Clean Air Zones. Many more are due to be introduced, and several are currently in place but aren’t yet charging drivers.

Bear in mind that London has its own scheme, mapping out an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) which essentially works in the same way and, like the three cities listed above, does require a monetary payment.

What’s the Difference Between the Classes of Clean Air Zone?

Clean Air Zones are not quite as black and white as you may think. It’s not always a case of charging any driver that rolls through a certain area of town, regardless of what they’re driving. This is where the A, B, C & D Class breakdown comes into play, with towns and cities able to restrict more or less vehicles based on the severity of their pollution level.

Each class lists the types of transport that are restricted or chargable due to Clean Air Zones.

Class	Affected Vehicles
A	– Buses – Coaches – Taxis – Private hire vehicles
B	– All Class A vehicles – Heavy goods vehicles
C	– All Class A & B vehicles – Vans – Minibuses
D	– All Class A, B & C vehicles – Cars – Motorcycles*

_{*Each local authority has the option to include motorcycles.}

As you can see, Class D Clean Air Zones have the strictest regulations, with everything – including privately owned cars and motorbikes – being subjected to the anti-pollution measures and eligible for charges when travelling within these areas.

Currently, there are no Class A zones in operation. Portsmouth’s Clean Air Zone falls into Class B, while Bath’s is Class C and the nation’s second-city, Birmingham, has established a Class D area. Each city will have its own method for paying the charge, so make sure you know exactly how to do so.

How to Avoid Paying a CAZ Charge

Even if your vehicle fits the basic criteria above, it might still be exempt from the charges within each city’s Clean Air Zone if its emission standard meets the minimum requirement for its kind. Your own vehicle’s standard can be found in its logbook, or can be obtained from the manufacturer.

Vehicle type	Clean Air Zone minimum standard
– Buses – Coaches – Heavy goods vehicles	Euro 6
– Vans – Minibuses – Taxis – Private hire vehicles – Cars	Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol)
Motorcycles	Euro 3

The government notes that certain local authorities may implement different rules for taxis and private hire vehicles, so those drivers should check to ensure that their car can enter free of charge.

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