Amanda Stretton on clean air zones

Clean Air Zones are popping up all over the country. First in London, then Bath, and soon to be Birmingham (1^st June), they are one of several measures introduced to reduce pollution in the nation’s worst-affected areas. 

However, more than a fifth (21%) of UK motorists do not know what one is, and 21% are unsure of how they work, or how they may be affected by their introduction, according to used car marketplace, Motorway. Two thirds of motorists admit that they are not aware that a Clean Air Zone is being introduced in Birmingham on 1st June and what’s more, only 16% know how to check if they will be charged when driving through one. Also, only 12% know what the minimum standard for their vehicle is.

Every Clean Air Zone is different – tailored to the area and the aims it wishes to achieve. But, in principle, they split opinion. While 44% agree that petrol and diesel vehicles should be charged for driving in densely populated areas, 33% disagree and 23% sit on the fence.

Aston spoke to motoring exper Amanda Stretton to discuss what Clean Air Zones aims to achieve, how they work, and share advice for motorists still in the dark.

Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash