What are low emission zones?
01 September 2021

What are low emission zones?

Low emission zones are popping up all around the UK, so what are they? what do they do? and what do I need to do if I enter one?
What are low emission zones?

Low emissions zones are created as part of a plan by the government to improve the quality of the air in our environment. It also allows local authorities to reduce harmful emissions within specific areas.

Within a low emission zones, certain types of vehicles are discouraged, and will therefore have to pay a charge to drive through it. The rates depend on the age of a car, the type of fuel it uses and how much carbon it produces. This then encourages people to purchase cars that are cleaner for the environment as they won't have to pay to drive in certain areas. The largest low emissions zone in the UK can be found in London. To find out more about rates, you can check on the government website. 

The governments aim is to 'be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we inherited it’.

What do I need to do if I enter a low emissions zone?

Before driving anywhere, you should always plan ahead. Now that the low emission zones are popping up in many locations, you should always check to see if the place you are going will be one. 

If the area you are visiting is a low emissions zone, don't worry. Check the governtment or local authorities website, which will advise if your car will be charged and how much the charge will be. 

Where are the UK's low emission zones?

There are eight in total that can be found within the UK. These are in London, Brighton, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham.