Clean air zones are part of a much bigger initiative to make towns and cities healthier for the people who live there.
It’s no secret that air pollution is a serious health concern in the UK. Road traffic, manufacturing facilities and home heating systems all contribute, and it’s estimated that the effects cause 40,000 deaths each year. Families and professionals alike now prioritise cleaner air when they’re buying a new home.
Whether you’re buying a property in ULEZ or looking for greener investments, here’s what you need to know about clean air zones.
What are clean air zones and why do they exist?
Clean air zones are specified areas, usually illustrated as a shaded area on a map, where improving the air quality is a legislative priority. Local authorities police this initiative by incorporating a system of charges for vehicles that fail to meet emissions standards.
Designed to reduce the overall output of harmful gases, particularly nitrous oxide (NO2), clean air zones encourage the use of emissions-free vehicles and alternative methods of transport too.
These zones are policed with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. They check every vehicle entering the zone and assess whether it meets the emissions criteria, usually with a pre-trained algorithm or AI model.
Are there different types of clean air zones?
Yes. Clean air zones are classified into different categories, since not all cities have the same pollution levels.
Restrictions typically vary according to vehicle category: for example, a Class D zone might include all vehicles. Double-check the planning details or make a freedom of information request before advertising a property within or near to clean air zones.
Will the clean air zone put off potential buyers?
The answer to this question is complicated. While some buyers might initially dislike the thought of living in a clean air zone, they might later decide to change their vehicle or make other compromises to make their move.
Most clean air zones are found in cities, so it’s quite common for homeowners to commute using public transport and therefore not need to worry about their own driving. Furthermore, clean air zones are increasingly attractive for families with young children, who recognise and appreciate the benefits of raising a family in a less polluted area.
It’s worth doing your research and taking time to invest in advanced air pollution control solutions. These could not only boost the eco-credentials of your property business but could promote the health and wellbeing of your tenants and their families too.
Are some vehicles exempt?
Yes. Public transport vehicles like buses and minibuses are typically exempt from charges because they’re seen as more economical overall, carrying more people per trip and therefore lowering the environmental impact of the journey.
Furthermore, electric and hybrid vehicles are typically exempt from charges too thanks to their emissions-free nature. So, if your future buyers are environmentally conscious, the clean air zone should be more of an incentive than a burden.
