Clean Air Zones and Euro 6 Vans Explained

We have a combined responsibility to safeguard the environment and take the necessary steps to enable us all to enjoy cleaner, healthier air.

When it comes to the emissions standards of our vehicles, huge plans which were first laid out in 2015 are beginning to become operational across the UK. As part of a drive to improve air quality and reduce emissions, some local authorities have introduced targeted Clear Air Zones (CAZs) across the UK, the most recent being Bath. 

Here, we explore the concept of the Clear Air Zones, what they mean and how the Vanbase fleet of Euro 6 vehicles can make a significant environmental difference. 

What is a Clean Air Zone (CAZ)?

A Clean Air Zone is an area where a local authority has introduced measures to improve the air quality so that we can enjoy healthier, cleaner air. CAZs form part of wider government plans to tackle sources of pollution and improve air quality with a highly targeted approach. 

Plans were unveiled by the government in 2015 to improve the quality of air in cities, with five Clean Air Zones (CAZ) being announced, the aim of them to be fully operational by 2020. 

To check if your vehicle will be affected, or to pay the fee, head over to the official gov page.

Why were Clean Air Zones introduced?

The measures were introduced to help tackle UK nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air quality standards under orders of the Supreme Court. The orders follow concerns over the health impacts of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution. 

Clean Air Zone introductions are hoped to significantly reduce air pollution and contribute to the UK's compliance with the clean air directive as enforced by the European Union (EU).  

Types of Clean Air Zones

There are two different types of Clean Air Zone, charging and non-charging: 

- Charging zone - Drivers will be charged a fee to enter the area if their vehicle fails to meet the required environmental standards, which will most likely be based on a vehicle's Euro emissions standard, which we explain in more detail below. 

- Non-charging zone - This focuses on making improvements to air quality without charging drivers. This could include traffic flow management to reduce emissions, rerouting and adding new tech to older vehicles. 

There are 4 types of Clean Air Zones, Class A to D: 

There is a minimum emission standard for each vehicle type. Your emission standard can be located in your van logbook or from your van manufacturer. To avoid facing charges in the Clean Air Zone, your vehicle must meet the following minimum standard: 

• Buses, coaches, heavy goods vehicles - Euro IV
• Vans, minibuses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cars - Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol)
• Motorcycles - Euro 3

Where have Clean Air Zones been introduced?

Bath has a Class C Clean Air Zone, with future Clean Air Zones planned to launch in Birmingham (Class D) on 1st June 2021 and further cities to implement CAZs in 2021/2022. 

What is Euro 6?

Euro 6 is the latest set of emission standards introduced by the European Union, setting a limit on harmful exhaust emissions produced by petrol and diesel engines.

Within the new Clean Air Zones and London's Low Emission Zones, any diesel car or van that fails to meet the Euro 6 requirements will be subject to a daily charge in an effort to improve air quality. 

The purpose of Euro 6 is to reduce the level of pollutants released from the tailpipes of vehicle engines, including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide (NOx) which are commonly emitted through diesel engines. 

Euro 6 vans at Vanbase

Van manufacturers are now expected to design and manufacturer all engines in line with Euro 6 standards as a result of the environmental benefits they deliver. 

Euro 6 vans boast a wealth of features which make them more efficient, including: 

• More refined engine technology
• Better engine efficiency
• Improved fuel economy
• More power than Euro 5 engines

The new engine technology also reduces CO2 emissions, which is not only good for the environment but useful in large van fleets if Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) tax is altered to be based on CO2 emissions. 

Several manufacturers have been producing Euro 6 compliant vans for some time, and there is a wide range of options available from leading brands such as Volkswagen, Ford and Nissan. 

Vanbase's range of Euro 6 vans will not only deliver a host of environmental benefits, but they come complete with the very latest technology and are highly efficient, a perfect choice for business use. 

Find your next used Euro 6 Van..

Discover your next Euro 6 van today

If you are looking to purchase your next used Euro 6 van from Vanbase and need some advice, contact us today. Our team of experts are on hand and ready to discuss the many environmental benefits that come hand in hand with this popular vehicle type.