The Government has launched a new online service to help drivers and businesses prepare for the introduction of clean air zones in UK cities.
As part of ongoing and widespread efforts to reduce vehicle emissions, cities across the UK are introducing charges on the most polluting vehicles.
London was the first to implement such a scheme in April 2019 – with Leeds and Birmingham set to follow suit this summer.
In Leeds, the city council initiative will affect buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles and HGVs – while in Birmingham it will also apply to some vans and private cars.
The DfT’s new online service, which went live on 5 February, allows drivers to find out if they will be affected by the respective changes.
The service has been welcomed by the RAC, although the breakdown organisation has raised concerns about how effective the website currently is in checking the compliance of every vehicle.
It recommends drivers double-check with their vehicle manufacturer.
Rod Dennis, RAC spokesman, said: “With the first clean air zones outside London coming into force this summer, it’s essential drivers can quickly and easily find out if their car is affected.
“We’ve been calling for an online emissions checker for more than two years, so this is a step in the right direction.
“But we do have some concerns about how effective this ‘beta’ website currently is in checking the compliance of every vehicle.
“In short, a number plate is not a reliable way of finding out a car’s Euro emissions standards so we recommend drivers double-check with their vehicle manufacturer to be sure.”
Comment on this story