Ultimate ULEZ And CAZ Guide For Van Drivers
Table of Contents
1. Different types of Low Emission Zones
2. What is an Ultra-Low Emission Zone?
3. Impact of Low Emission Zones on your fleet
4. Active Clean Air Zones & Low Emission Zones in the UK
5. Upcoming Clean Air Zones and Low Emission Zones in the UK
6. How Vansdirect can help support your van fleet
As Low Emission Zones (LEZs) increase in the UK, van drivers must be aware of what it means for them. The expansion of these zones is the result of the UK government’s net zero emission goal by 2050.
By charging highly polluting vehicles for accessing these zones, the local councils can improve air quality. Money from these charges is used to improve public transport infrastructure in cities.
1. Different types of Low Emission Zones
There are several different types of zones in the UK. Each area has its own set of requirements for eligible vehicles. We recommend checking beforehand if you must pay a fee for your van.
The Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is an area within a city where the local council wished to improve air quality. Depending on the city, in some zones you must pay a fee to enter the zone. Meanwhile, other areas may not require payment.
A Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is a zone where uncompliant vehicles are being charged for entry. The zones charge heavy diesel and petrol vehicles, such as vans, lorries and coaches. It’s in operation 24 hours a day, including public holidays.
Meanwhile, London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges all types of vehicles. This includes vans and other large vehicles as well as passenger cars. This also operates 24 hours a day.
Lastly, a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) is only in operation currently in Oxford. This means that only vehicles with zero emissions, fully electric vehicles, can travel through the zone without a charge.
2. What is an Ultra-Low Emission Zone?
There’s currently only one Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in the UK, in London. After first introduced in 2019 and expanded to cover all London’s boroughs in August 2023.
Non-compliant vehicles must pay a daily charge of £12.50. The area is in operation 24 hours a day, except on Christmas Day. The charge is on top of the Congestion Charge (£15), so the total daily charge is £27.50.
Forgetting to pay the charge results in a penalty fee of £180. This is reduced to £90 if you pay it within 14 days.
You can also set an Auto Pay, which will automatically charge you for your journeys.
3. Impact of Low Emission Zones on your van fleet
There are set emission standards for vehicles in each Low Emission Zone. These vary, but generally vans must be minimum Euro 4 petrol or Euro 6 diesel. If your van is not compliant, you must pay a charge to drive through these zones.
Driving through these areas daily can have a huge financial impact on your business. This is why we recommend upgrading your fleet to electric vans as soon as possible. After 2035, the sale of new petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles is forbidden. After that, you are only able to buy a hybrid or fully electric new van.
You can benefit from the incentives and grants available for vans, making the switch to electric cheaper. These include:
- Low Emission Zones Scotland offers a £2,500 grant
- The UK government’s Plug-in Van Grant (PIVG), offering up to £5,000 discount maximum
- The Mayor of London’s Scrappage Scheme gives you up to £11,500 cashback when scrapping an uncompliant van
- The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) helps with the upfront cost of electric vehicle chargers at work
4. Active Clean Air Zones & Low Emission Zones in the UK
There is a total of 15 active Low Emission Zones and Clean Air Zones in the UK. In Scotland, the following cities charge vans for entering these zones:
- Aberdeen
- Dundee
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
In England, the following cities charge non-compliant vans:
- Newcastle upon Tyne and Gateshead
- Bradford
- Sheffield
- Birmingham
- Oxford/li>
- Bristol/li>
- Bath/li>
- London/li>
5. Upcoming Clean Air Zones and Low Emission Zones in the UK
Other cities in the UK are planning to introduce Clean Air Zones and Low Emission zones in their city centres. These cities include:
- Manchester - currently under review
- Caerphilly - council is considering introducing a Clean Air Zone
- Cambridge - planning in place
- Cardiff - planning to bring a congestion charge to all non-residents
- St Albans - council is considering introducing a Clean Air Zone
- Warrington - council is considering introducing a Clean Air Zone
- Wokingham - council is considering introducing a Clean Air Zone
6. How Vansdirect can help support your van fleet
At Vansdirect, you will find a fantastic range of new, cost-effective electric vans. Whether you’re looking for a small, medium or large van, there’s something for everyone.
Our electric vans are all CAZ and LEZ compliant, saving you money in the daily charges. If you live in Oxford, you must drive a fully electric van to avoid the charges.
Whether you prefer a hybrid or fully electric van, you can choose from world-leading manufacturers. These include the Mercedes-Benz e-Vito, Renault e-Kangoo, Peugeot e-Partner, Citroen e-Dispatch, and many more.
We also have flexible van finance options on offer, allowing you to get the perfect van. View the range of Hire Purchase, Van Leasing, and Contract Hire plans available.
With us, you can find a vast range selection of vans for all types of businesses. Contact us today for any questions, and our experts can help you switch to electric.
Frequently asked questions
What are the ULEZ rules on vans?
If you drive a petrol van, it must be a minimum of Euro 4 standards to be compliant. Meanwhile, a diesel van must be a minimum of Euro 6 standards. If your van doesn’t meet the requirements, you will end up paying a daily charge.
All electric and hybrid vans are currently compliant in the ULEZ area.
Can I make my van ULEZ compliant?
You may be able to retrofit your van to meet the ULEZ standards. This includes modifying the engine and the exhaust system of the van. This is possible with some Euro 5 vans.
Before you get started, you need to make sure it is possible from the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS).
Buying a new electric van might feel expensive at first. However, over time, you get to benefit from lower running costs compared to petrol or diesel vans. Get in touch with us for guidance on electric vans.
Which vans are exempt from CAZ?
Some vans may be exempt from paying the CAZ charges. You can see the full list on the UK government’s website. These include:
- Vans which produce zero tailpipe emissions
- Disabled passenger tax class van
- Disabled tax class van
- Military vehicle
- Historic van
- Vans that have been retrofitted to meet the emission standards
- Some agricultural vehicles
What year does a van need to be to be ULEZ compliant?
If you drive a petrol van, it must not be older than January 2006. This makes it a Euro 4 vehicle. With diesel vans, the model must not be older than September 2016. These are Euro 6 standard vehicles.
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Check out our Electric Van Hub where you'll find even more useful information such as the benefits of electric vans and electric van reviews.
