To help tackle greenhouse gas emissions from transport in the UK, the government has banned the sale of all new diesel and petrol cars from 2030, and hybrids up to 2035. The ban is not only going to support our country’s ambition to reach net zero by 2050, but it will also help increase the transition to electric vehicles.
Over the next few years, cities across the UK are going to be introducing clean air zones in a bid to reduce pollution in densely populated areas. By removing the more polluting vehicles that use Petrol and Diesel from our city and town centres, this will greatly improve the health of residents, visitors, and the overall environment.
What are clean air zones?
Clean Air Zones are areas that will charge or penalise high polluting vehicles based on their Euro emission standard. Vehicles with higher emissions either cannot enter the designated area or must pay an additional fee to do so – these zones will be implemented in areas with dangerous air pollution levels and are designed to help improve local air quality, making it safer and healthier for residents and visitors by limiting their exposure to harmful vehicle emissions.
The benefit of owning an electric vehicle is that you will be exempt from these charges as they emit zero exhaust emissions. For example, in London the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) costs £12.50 a day. In just a year that could save you as much as £2,875 on top of any fuel savings as well.
Why do we clean air zones?
These zones are the best way for towns and cities to tackle local air pollution, and research has shown that they help to reduce pollutants including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter.[1] Implementing Clean Air Zones across the country is the key for us to improve air quality, protect public health, and support the transition to a much lower carbon future.
The World Health Organisation estimates that over 4 million premature deaths every year are led to by poor air quality – The main source of air pollution in the UK, is transport.[2]
Benefits of clean air zones
Having cleaner air will benefit everyone, but it is especially important for the elderly, young children, and those of us with existing health conditions. By removing or limiting the number of polluting vehicles that can enter cities and town centres, it will improve air quality and have a positive impact on the health of those living and working there.
Other benefits of clean air zones include:
- The accelerated uptake of low and/or zero emissions vehicles, such as EV’s.
- Encourages residents to use public transport or active travel methods (i.e., Cycling and Walking)
- Reduces traffic congestion in the town and city centres.
Are you eligible?
To check whether you will be charged for entering a Clean Air Zone just enter your REG number and away you go – https://www.gov.uk/check-clean-air-zone-charge
Support is also available to help you reduce your emissions and switch to a lower or zero emission vehicle. The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles offers grants to offset the purchase price and charger installation of an electric vehicle/charger. What are waiting for? Make the switch now and book in your charger install – https://ecolectrix.co.uk/contact-us/