Sheffield Clean Air Zone: Your CAZ Guide

Since February 27^th, 2023, Sheffield have had a fully enforced Clean Air Zone (CAZ).

This puts a restriction on what vehicles can be driven within a specific area of Sheffield’s city centre.

So, what does this mean for Sheffield motorists? Where is Sheffield’s CAZ located? Let’s answer that now.

What is a Clean Air Zone?

A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is a designated area where local authorities have introduced measures to reduce harmful vehicle emissions and improve air quality.

These zones primarily target pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), both of which contribute to poor public health and environmental damage.

By reducing vehicle-related emissions, Clean Air Zones aim to create healthier, more sustainable environments for residents and visitors alike.

Several UK cities have introduced Clean Air Zones as part of broader efforts to tackle climate change and promote cleaner urban living.

Compared to Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), Clean Air Zones typically have more flexible requirements and lower penalties.

While all of these schemes share a common goal, LEZs and ULEZs usually impose stricter rules – ULEZs being the most stringent, with London currently the only city operating one.

Sheffield’s own Clean Air Zone reflects these national initiatives, helping reduce pollution levels across the city and supporting the UK’s commitment to cleaner air.

Sheffield Clean Air Zone Map

The Sheffield Clean Air Zone (CAZ) covers the central area of the city, including key routes through the city centre.

The zone has been introduced to deliver rapid improvements in air quality, while aiming to minimise the impact on local businesses, residents, and commuters.

By targeting the most congested and polluted parts of Sheffield, the CAZ plays a crucial role in supporting the city’s transition to a cleaner, healthier environment.

CAZ Charges and Payments

The payment system for Sheffield’s Clean Air Zone has been designed to be simple and user-friendly.

Drivers can pay the charge up to six days before travel, on the day of travel, or within six days afterward.

Once paid, the charge covers unlimited entries and exits within the same day.

Below is a breakdown of the vehicle types and their corresponding daily charges for entering Sheffield’s Clean Air Zone:
 

Need to pay a Clean Air Zone fine? Visit Sheffield City Council online to choose your preffered method of payment.

Vehicle Compliance

To find out whether your vehicle meets the emission standards required to drive in Sheffield’s Clean Air Zone without paying a charge, you can use the Government’s official online checker.

Just enter your vehicle registration number, and the tool will let you know straight away if your vehicle is compliant or if a daily charge applies.

The system is connected to national vehicle databases, so the results are accurate and kept up to date.

Where are Clean Air Zones?

Fully enforced Clean Air Zones (CAZ), Low Emission Zones (LEZ), and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) currently operate in the following UK cities:

• Aberdeen (LEZ)
• Bath (CAZ)
• Birmingham (CAZ)
• Bradford (CAZ)
• Bristol (CAZ)
• Dundee (LEZ)
• Edinburgh (LEZ)
• Glasgow (LEZ)
• London (ULEZ)
• Newcastle and Gateshead (CAZ)
• Oxford (CAZ)
• Portsmouth (CAZ)
• Sheffield (CAZ)

While LEZs and ULEZs are technically forms of Clean Air Zones, cities with designated CAZs often apply less stringent rules for non-compliant vehicles – especially private cars.

Low Emission Zones are prominent in Scotland, with Clean Air Zones being present in England, along with London’s Ultra-low Emission Zone.

Want to better understand the differences between CAZ, LEZ, and ULEZ? Take a look at our guide to UK emission zone terminology by clicking below.

Exempt Vehicles

The following rules apply to make your vehicle exempt of charges when driving in Sheffield Clean Air Zone:

• Your vehicle is nationally exempt
• Your vehicle meets the required emission standards
• It’s a private car or motorcycle (even if it doesn’t meet the minimum emissions standards)

Are Clean Air Zones Going Away?

At present, there are no plans to remove Clean Air Zones in the UK. They remain a key part of local and national efforts to improve air quality in urban areas.

If you’re looking to avoid charges or uncertainty over whether your vehicle meets the required standards, switching to an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle is a reliable option.

These vehicles are almost always compliant with CAZ rules, as well and being compliant with LEZ and ULEZ.