Clean Air Zones and Congestion Charges: Is Your Car Exempt?

Which UK cities have Clean Air Zones? Is your car exempt? Check if you'll be charged for driving in Birmingham, Bristol, Bath, London, and more.

Clean Air Zones and Congestion Charges

More UK cities are introducing Clean Air Zones (CAZs) that charge older, more polluting vehicles to enter. If your car doesn't meet emission standards, you could be paying £8–50 per day just to drive through the city centre.

Cities with active Clean Air Zones (2026)

• London (ULEZ) — All of Greater London. £12.50/day for non-compliant cars
• Birmingham — City centre. £8/day for cars, £50/day for HGVs
• Bristol — Central zone. £9/day
• Bath — City centre. Cars are now exempt, but HGVs and taxis still pay
• Bradford, Newcastle, Sheffield, Manchester — Various zones in operation or planned

What makes a car compliant?

Generally:

• Petrol: Euro 4 or later (roughly 2005 onwards)
• Diesel: Euro 6 or later (roughly 2015 onwards)
• Electric/Hybrid: Usually exempt

How to check your vehicle

Your car's emission standard is tied to its age and engine type. Our free check shows your vehicle's CO2 emissions and fuel type, which gives you a strong indication of compliance.

For a definitive answer, check the specific city's CAZ checker — but start here:

Check your vehicle emissions — free

Planning a trip?

If you're driving through multiple cities, check each zone's rules. A car that's compliant in Birmingham might still face the London ULEZ charge if it's a pre-2015 diesel.