Clean Air Zones (CAZ)
Prepare for the future of cleaner air with our CAZ-friendly Vehicle options.
What is CAZ?
Clean Air Zones (CAZ) are areas where you will have to pay a daily charge to enter them with a vehicle that does not meet the set emissions standards.
- Class A- Buses, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles
- Class B- Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles and heavy goods vehicles
- Class C- Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans and minibuses
- Class D- Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses, cars and the local authority has the option to include motorcycles
Why is the government introducing CAZ?
The purpose of a CAZ is to reduce harmful Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) vehicle emissions in our cities by discouraging the use of polluting vehicles and travel methods through financial charges.
CAZs are part of the government’s plans announced in 2015 to improve air quality across the UK.
Where will CAZ be introduced?
Many local authorities have been tasked with how and if they will introduce a CAZ.
- Bath- Class C
- Birmingham- Class D
- Portsmouth- Class B
- Bradford- Class C
- Bristol- Class D
For other cities, local authorities are either yet to confirm when they will introduce CAZ, are proposing alternatives, or have opposed implementing one.
When will CAZ be introduced?
The following is a list of the first cities to confirm they will be introducing CAZ. Many other cities are considering CAZ as well. You can use the BVRLA CAZ map as a helpful way to keep up to date with the plans for each city.
- Newcastle, Gateshead and North Tyneside - January 2023
- Sheffield - February 2023
- Greater Manchester - Currently on hold
Which vehicle does CAZ apply to?
Any vehicle entering a CAZ that does not meet the emissions standards set by the local authority.
Notable exemptions for business vehicles:
- Vans that meet Euro 6 (diesel) or Euro 4 (petrol) emissions standards
- Ultra-low emission vehicles, such as electric or many hybrid vehicles.
Before entering a CAZ, you should check if the charge applies to your vehicle on the government website.
How do I pay the daily charge for a CAZ?
You can check whether the charge applies to your vehicle and pay the daily charge on the government website.
Browse our range of hire options
Three simple ways to beat the charge
We offer businesses a range of vehicles that meet the emissions standards and are exempt from the charges. Whether you need a commercial vehicle for one day, a year or more, we have hire options and add-on services that can be tailored to your business’s needs.
