CLEAN AIR ZONES

and what they mean for you

In addition to the recent updates to the Highway Code, a number of new driving laws are planned this year. Changes include the introduction of Clean Air Zones (CAZ) across the UK – which, in Manchester, can land motorists with a daily £60 fine. In 2022, many cities in the UK will be rebranded as CAZ, meaning that vehicles which risk polluting the air will be faced with a penalty charge. This is because CAZ or low-emission zones (LEZ) are designed to help reduce pollution levels and improve air quality in the area. Following a delay caused by the pandemic, Bradford and Oxford are also expected to roll out their CAZ later in the year. They will join towns and cities such as Birmingham and Bath, which already operate LEZ. Although every town could have different rules about which vehicles are liable, and while vehicles such as motorhomes, and campervans are more likely to be affected, the rules could apply if your tow car is large a pick-up or similar, particularly if it’s registered for business use. Motorists are advised to check their vehicle emission before entering these kinds of zones, so that they can pre-empt the potential charges. Car insurance expert Alex Kindred said: “It’s likely that we’ll see lots more CAZ or LEZ appear over the next 12 months or so, as the UK Government continues its work in reducing air pollution levels. But that’s not all. In 2022, there are new driving laws coming into play, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with them.” You can find out more about the new driving regulations and the latest rule changes at www. confused.com/carinsurance/guides/ driving-law-update.