Despite Sheffield being the UKs greenest city, as an industrial city it also has one of the highest air pollution rates in the UK. To help combat this Sheffield City Council has introduced Clean Air Zones around the city centre, to reduce congestion and improve the air quality to make Sheffield a healthier place to live.
But what is Sheffield’s Clean Air Zone and how does it affect you when driving in the city? We’re here tell you everything you need to know.
What is Sheffield's Clean Air Zone?
Sheffield’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) has been designed to reduce the city’s air pollution and encourage people who drive in the city to choose cleaner modes of transport, whether that’s using public transport, cycling or opting for a newer lower emissions vehicle.
How do I know if I’m in a Clean Air Zone?
The Clean Air Zones are in operation 24/7 and are clearly marked with a ‘C’ symbol with a cloud over a green background, it covers the whole city centre and includes the A61 ring road.
Vehicles are monitored by Automatic Number Plate Recognition Cameras.
How much will it cost?
If you drive a non-compliant vehicle in the CAZ then you must pay a £10 charge per day and if you drive a coach, bus, or heavy goods vehicle then you’ll have to pay £50 per day. You can pay your clean air charge up to six days before or on the day of travel, or you can pay up to six days after driving through Sheffield CAZ.
You must pay your charge through the government website or call the clean air support line on 03000 298888. If you fail to pay you will be charged a £120 fine, or £60 if the fine is paid within 14 days.
Will my vehicle be affected by the Clean Air Zone?
The Clean Air Zone is a Class C zone which applies to buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans and minibuses. These types of vehicles need to meet the minimum emission standard to avoid being charged in Sheffield’s Clean Air Zone.
Private cars and motorcycles are exempt from the Clean Air Zone and will not be charged, as are public transport and emergency service vehicles.
As business vehicles are most effected by the Sheffield Clean Air Zone it might be a good idea to consider a low emissions vehicle like an electric or hybrid vehicle for your business, there are great offers on business/fleet vehicles currently, and as a government incentive there are lots of grants for business charging infostructures.
Minimum Emission Standards Checklist
Buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles must meet Euro 6 emission standards:
- Diesel vehicles cannot emit more than 80 mg/km of NOx.
- Petrol Vehicles cannot emit more than 60mg/kg of NOx.
Diesel vans, minibuses, taxis and private hire vehicles must meet Euro 6 emission standards:
- Cannot emit more than 80 mg/km.
Petrol vans, minibuses, taxis and private hire vehicles must meet Euro 4 emission standards:
- Emit no more than 1.0/km of CO.
- Emit no more than 1.10g/km of Total Hydro Carbon.
- Emit no more than 0.08g/km of NOx.
Sell your current vehicle for an EV or Hybrid
Electric vehicles and hybrids become more popular, and brands are realizing newer models with better tech and longer range, the EV market is becoming more appealing.
Selling your current vehicle in exchange for an EV has never been easier with Sell 2 Swansway, we can offer you a free car valuation and we give you seven days to accept, that’s plenty of time to find a new lower emissions vehicle and avoid those unnecessary charges.