Clean Air Zones

18 January 2024

Toxic air pollution is the biggest environmental killer in the UK and cities are introducing Clean Air Zones to make the air we breathe cleaner. Air pollution affects everyone and contributes to respiratory, heart and kidney disease as well as dementia and type 2 diabetes. To improve the air we breathe and to reduce exposure to nitrogen dioxide, cities across the UK are introducing Clean Air Zones.

Clean Air Zones cover specific locations, restrict the highest polluting vehicles, promote the use of cleaner vehicles, and encourage more people to walk, cycle or use public transport.

This month’s Clean Air Zone Toolbox Talk updates drivers on the latest city developments, the live zones in the UK and upcoming enforcement dates. It covers:

  • Toxic air pollution and the negative affects
  • Types of Low Emission and Clean Air Zones, their classification, and emissions standards
  • Locations, standards and charges of the specific Clean Air Zones across the UK
  • Scotland’s new Low Emission Zones and London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion

Drivers need to be aware of the importance of environmental protection. They also need to have the right mindset for day-to-day operational constraints that they have no control over. Driving a non-compliant vehicle in a live Clean Air Zone will attract a daily charge and a lack of understanding could result in costly Penalty Charge Notices.