Are Blue Badge Holders Exempt from Clean Air Zones, Low Emission Zones, and ULEZ?
Amidst all the increasing concerns about climate change, the UK is increasingly bringing in new strategies to tackle the big “climate emergency”. One of the major changes we’ve seen is the introduction of various Clean Air and Low Emission Zones. Currently there are many UK cities including Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow, Aberdeen and more.
We asked ourselves an all-important question, what does this mean for our customers, Blue Badge holders, and disabled drivers?
One of the biggest concerns for those who have a disability, is access. Before the emission zones came into play, anyone could easily drive into most towns and cities – close to the destination, unhindered. Now the new rules threaten to make things harder, but things may not be as bad as they sound for people with mobility issues. Read on to find out more about rules and exemptions nationally, and in various regions.
We’ve investigated the details of the UK cities that have brought in such measures. What are the charges? What’s the impact on you, our customers? And what does it mean nationally?
This article was written and researched in August 2023. We strongly recommend you check up-to-date sources, such as the government website for the latest guidance. Or, refer to the local authority of your destination.
What’s the difference between ULEZ, Clean Air Zones and Low Emissions Zones?
It’s useful to know the different zones; ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone), Clean Air Zones, and Low Emission Zones are measures in the UK to tackle air pollution. The premise of these zones is very similar, with some differences.
ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zones) are currently only found in London, if your vehicle doesn’t meet the emissions standards and isn’t exempt, you will need to pay a daily charge to drive within the zone.
Clean Air Zones are areas targeting higher-emission vehicles; they vary regionally in which vehicles they cover, and the charges imposed.
Low Emission Zones are broader, targeting vehicles not meeting emission standards; restrictions or charges apply. These measures encourage cleaner transport and vary in stringency.
Are people with disabilities exempt from the various clean air and low emission zones?
Fortunately for disabled drivers, there are some national and localised rules which mean you may not have to pay. Read on to find out about some rules in the different UK territories and cities.
Clean Air and Low Emission Zones for Disability Tax Exempt Vehicles across the UK.
Many disabled drivers and passengers may use a vehicle with a disability tax exemption. If you have one, you should qualify for an exemption from Low Emission and Clean Air Zones in the UK.
What is a disability tax exemption, you ask?
To qualify for an exemption from disability road tax, your vehicle must be registered under the disabled individual’s name or the designated driver’s name. The vehicle should be strictly reserved for the disabled person’s personal requirements, thereby preventing nominated drivers from using the vehicle for their own personal purposes.
According to the UK Government Website, you can claim an exemption from paying vehicle tax if you meet any of the following:
- You receive the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- You get enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Claim enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
- Have a higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- Get the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Have an Armed Forces Independence Payment
If you meet these, your vehicle must be registered in the disabled person’s name or a nominated driver’s name. For more info on how to apply, visit the UK Government Website.
Different rules for Clean Air Zones in England, Wales & Scotland
The rules do vary slightly depending on territory. Read on to find out about each.
England Clean Air Zones
At the time of writing this article (August 2023), there are 8 operating ULEZ, LEZ and Clean Air Zones in England.
There is also a new scheme being proposed currently in Manchester.
Scotland Clean Air Zones
At the time of writing this article (August 2023), there are 4 operating Clean Air Zones in Scotland. The country also has an exemption for Blue Badge holders. Read on to find out more about this.
Wales and Northern Ireland
There are currently no active zones in Wales & Northern Ireland. (Published August 2023, check with local authorities)
Emission Zone Rules by City for Disabilities
If you can’t qualify for exemption as above, you should check what the local rules are. Below we’ll give you the basics, and how to check your vehicle.
England
Bath Clean Air Zone
Are Blue Badge holders exempt in Bath?
No. Blue Badge owners must follow the standard CAZ rules.
What vehicles are included?
Bath has a Class C zone. This means that buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, and minibuses must all pay their associated charges. Private cars are unaffected.
View a map of the Bath Clean Air Zone locations here
Other ways into Bath
Bath has a Park & Ride service for those who can use public transport. Find out more.
Birmingham Clean Air Zone
Are Blue Badge holders exempt?
Blue Badge holders aren’t exempt from the Clean Air Zone charges in Birmingham.
What vehicles are included?
Birmingham has a Class D CAZ. This means buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses, plus certain cars & motorcycles will be charged. Cars and motorcycles depend on their emissions, and many types are excluded. Find out if your car is, by checking online.
Where in Birmingham is the Clean Air Zone?
Other ways into Birmingham
Birmingham New Street railway station is a great way to access the city. Find out more about the station and accessibility on the Network Rail website.
Bradford Clean Air Zone
Are Blue Badge holders exempt?
Blue Badge holders are not exempt from paying the Clean Air Zone charges in Bradford.
What vehicles are excluded?
Bradford has a Class C CAZ. This means that buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, and minibuses must all pay their associated charges. Private cars are unaffected.
Bristol Clean Air Zone
Are Blue Badge holders exempt?
Until March 2023, this was the case. Unfortunately, Blue Badge Holders have no exemptions in the Bristol CAZ.
What vehicles are not excluded?
Bristol has a Class D zone. This means buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses, plus certain cars & motorcycles will be charged. Certain vehicles and motorcycles depend on their emissions, and many types are excluded. Find out if yours is, by checking online.
View a map of the Bristol CAZ
Other ways into Bristol
Portsmouth Clean Air Zone
Are Blue Badge holders Exempt?
There is no set exemption in Portsmouth Clean Air Zone for Blue Badge holders.
What vehicles are not excluded?
Portsmouth has a Class B Clean Air Zone. This means Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, and heavy goods vehicles face charges. Private cars and motorbikes are unaffected.
Still unsure? Check your vehicle online here
Sheffield Clean Air Zone
Are Blue Badge holders exempt?
Sheffield Clean Air Zone has no specific exemptions for Blue Badge holders.
What vehicles are not excluded?
Sheffield has a Class C CAZ. These rulings cover Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, and minibuses. Privately owned cars and motorbikes can travel freely.
Still unsure? Check your vehicle online here
Tyneside – Newcastle and Gateshead Clean Air Zone
Are Blue Badge holders exempt?
Tyneside Clean Air Zone has no specific exemptions for Blue Badge holders.
What vehicles aren’t excluded?
Tyneside (Newcastle & Gateshead) has a Class C CAZ. These rulings cover Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses. Privately owned cars and motorbikes can travel freely.
Still unsure? Check your vehicle online here
Have a look at this map of the Tyneside, Newcastle & Gateshead Clean Air Zone.
London ULEZ
Are Blue Badge holders Exempt?
Blue Badge holders are not exempt from the London Ultra Low Emission Zone.
What vehicles are exempt?
Some cars and other vehicles are exempt in London ULEZ, it all depends on emissions. We suggest using the TFL online tool to find out.
You can see a full map of the ULEZ in London here
Other ways around London
One of the cheapest and most efficient ways around London without a car is the Underground. Many platforms are wheelchair accessible, for more information on accessibility visit the TFL website.
Scotland
Great news! Blue Badge holders are exempt from Clean Air and Low Emission zones in Scotland.
You must register for your exemption in addition to owning your Blue Badge. Visit lowemissionzones.scot/blue-badge-exemption to apply.
If you don’t hold a Blue Badge or disability tax exemption, read on below to find out more about each Clean Air Zone and Low Emission Zone area in Scotland.
Scotland’s Low Emission Zones are slightly different. Non-exempt vehicles are banned in the areas, as opposed to a ‘pay as you go’ structure. People breaching these areas in a non-compliant vehicle, will be hit with a penalty charge.
Aberdeen Low Emission Zone
Are Blue Badge holders exempt?
Blue Badge holders are exempt from Clean Air Zone charges in Scotland. You must apply online separately to your Blue Badge ownership.
What vehicles are exempt?
The emissions of your vehicle determines whether you can drive in the Aberdeen CAZ. Check your vehicle online here to be sure.
Dundee Low Emission Zone
Are Blue Badge holders exempt?
Blue Badge holders are exempt from Low Emission Zone charges in Scotland. You must apply online separately to your Blue Badge ownership.
What vehicles are exempt?
The emissions of your vehicle determines whether you can drive in the Dundee CAZ. Check your vehicle online here to be sure.
Edinburgh Low Emission Zone
Are Blue Badge holders exempt?
Blue Badge holders are exempt from Clean Air Zone charges in Scotland. You must apply online separately to your Blue Badge ownership.
What vehicles are exempt?
The emissions of your vehicle determines whether you can drive in the Aberdeen CAZ. Check your vehicle online here to be sure.
Glasgow Low Emission Zone
Are Blue Badge holders exempt?
Blue Badge holders are exempt from Clean Air Zone charges in Scotland. You must apply online separately to your Blue Badge ownership. https://www.lowemissionzones.scot/blue-badge-exemption
What vehicles are exempt?
The emissions of your vehicle determines whether you can drive in the Aberdeen CAZ. Check your vehicle online here to be sure.
As a reminder, this article was published and researched in August 2023.
Please check with the UK Government Website, or the relevant Local Authority.
About Fish Insurance
Fish Insurance has been a disability insurance specialist for over 45 years. We offer a wide range of cover that’s been tailored to customers who have disabilities. Our cover includes car, mobility scooter, carers & employers, wheelchairs and more.
Our car insurance is tailored to offer customers a specialised service aimed at adapted vehicles including WAVs. To find out more about our policies and get a quote visit our main car page.
