Sheffield Clean Air Zone (CAZ) checker

On 27 February, 2023, Sheffield introduced its Clean Air Zone (CAZ), meaning certain vehicles will pay to enter the city centre. Find out your compliance status to prepare.

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Sheffield CAZ map and charges

The image below shows the limits of the Sheffield Clean Air Zone.

Area of operation

Sheffield's Clean Air Zone covers the A61 and the entire area within that ring. Signs are posted alongside cameras throughout the zone and around its perimeter, indicating you're about to enter.

CAZ charges and exemptions

Vans, private hire vehicles, light goods vehicles (LGVs) and taxis that don't meet the standard will be charged £10 per day. Buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) will face a higher charge of £50 per day. Passenger vehicles, motorcycles and mopeds face no charge in Sheffield.

How to pay

The easiest way to pay is online via the gov.uk Clean Air Zones page. If you also need to pay a penalty charge notice (PCN), you can do so by sending a cheque through the post, paying over the phone or using the Sheffield City Council website.

What is the Sheffield Clean Air Zone (CAZ)?

How Sheffield's CAZ works

In early 2023, Sheffield became one of the many British cities to enact a Clean Air Zone in an effort to improve the city's air quality. In the city centre, high-polluting commercial vehicles cause a disproportionate amount of air pollution. Within the area inside the A61 and around its perimeter, cameras use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to identify vehicles driving in the zone. If your vehicle doesn't comply with Euro 4/Euro 6 emissions standards, you'll face a charge when you enter or drive within the area.

Sheffield's CAZ operates 24/7, 265 days per year, with daily cycles running from midnight to midnight. You'll be charged once per day for every day you drive in the zone. Since days reset at 12:00 a.m., you will have to pay twice if you drive during the transition from one day to the next. You have the choice to pay up to 6 days prior to entering the zone. If you don't pay by 11:59 6 days following your visit, you will receive a PCN of £120, due in 28 days. If you fail to pay that, it increases to £180 (on top of your initial £10-£50 charge).

Vehicles included in Sheffield's CAZ

Sheffield operates a Class C Clean Air Zone, meaning all commercial vehicles are included, while private cars and motorcycles are exempt. Private hire vehicles, taxis, LGVs, buses, minibuses, coaches and HGVs are all subject to charges, regardless of the type of fuel they use. Some national exemptions apply to all Clean Air Zones, such as emergency service vehicles, military vehicles and certain agricultural and construction vehicles. For Sheffield residents who own regular vehicles, the CAZ charge is nothing to worry about.

Aside from national exemptions, the City of Sheffield also allows city-specific exemptions. These include unavoidable diversions into the zone (e.g., a detour for a road closure), outside support for emergency service vehicles, drivers who need to enter the zone for a vehicle upgrade, "hard-to-replace" vehicles, and vehicles not for profit and community interest groups use to support vulnerable members of the community. Everyone needs to apply for exemption via the Taranto Permits Portal at least 28 days before they plan to make it into the zone.

Benefits of using our Sheffield CAZ compliance checker

Knowing if Sheffield's CAZ charges apply to you helps you plan ahead and avoid costly fines.

Check Sheffield CAZ compliance in real time

Perhaps the best reason to use our free online Sheffield CAZ compliance checker is that you can get real-time feedback on your vehicle's standing. Unlike static maps and spreadsheets that may not update often enough for you to make informed decisions, our checker draws upon the UK government's live database of registered vehicles. Seconds after entering your vehicle's registration number, you'll know if you have to pay and how much.

Stay on top of changes and updates

Every Clean Air Zone is subject to change. Both Sheffield and the UK government are very keen on tackling the air pollution problem and will likely amend the rules and boundaries of Sheffield's Clean Air Zone over time. In other words, what you don't have to pay for now may well change in the future. By using our checker regularly, you can stay on top of any changes that might affect your vehicle, so you'll never be met with unexpected charges.

Prepare your route ahead of time

Since Sheffield's CAZ only encompasses the area within the A61, you might be able to avoid it if you're running an errand or planning a trip from one end of the city to the other. By using our checker, you'll know whether or not you need to plan ahead to avoid the zone. This is especially important if you're a business owner or delivery driver who operates within or needs to enter the area, as the charges add up fast if you're not careful.

Plan for business/personal expenses

With charges up to £50, you're looking at several hundred pounds per day if you operate a fleet of vehicles. That's a huge business expense, so you'll definitely want to invest in cleaner vehicles or apply for exemptions as soon as possible. In the short term, knowing your compliance status will help you budget for the expenses you can't avoid. Zooming out, understanding your compliance now allows you to strategize for meeting emissions standards and avoiding these charges in the future.

User-friendly interface

Our goal is to make it as simple as possible for everyone in Sheffield (and the UK in general) to comply with Clean Air Zone regulations. Our Sheffield CAZ compliance checker is so easy to use, anyone can do it. And it's accessible on all mobile and desktop devices, so you can take a look at your compliance status from anywhere. You don't even have to register - just type in your registration number and you're good to go!

Avoid costly fines

At the end of the day, you want to avoid paying those hefty non-compliance fines. The problem is, without checking your vehicle's compliance status, you may not even know if you owe them. By using our checker, you can ensure that you won't be caught off guard by a PCN (you can avoid even receiving one, for that matter). It only takes a few moments and could save you a lot of money in the long run.

Which cars are exempt from Sheffield's CAZ charges?

Regarding CAZ daily charges, different rules apply to different types of vehicles in Sheffield.

CAZ-compliant petrol cars

Must meet Euro 4 emissions standards.
Typically, manufactured after 2006.

CAZ-compliant diesel cars

Must meet Euro 6 emissions standards.
Typically, manufactured after September 2015.

CAZ-compliant LGVs and HGVs

LGVs: Petrol (Euro 4), Diesel (Euro 6)
HGVs: Euro 6 minimum

CAZ-compliant buses, minibuses and coaches

Buses: Euro 6 minimum
Minibuses: Petrol (Euro 4), Diesel (Euro 6)
Coaches: Euro 6 minimum

View other Clean Air Zones (CAZ)

Live elsewhere? Check below for information on other Clean Air Zones in the UK.

Birmingham Clean Air Zone

Bristol Clean Air Zone

Bath Clean Air Zone

Portsmouth Clean Air Zone

Bradford Clean Air Zone

Newcastle Clean Air Zone

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Common FAQs about Sheffield's Clean Air Zone

Learn about how our checker works and how to stay compliant with CAZ regulations.

Which cars will be charged in the Clean Air Zone in Sheffield?

Sheffield operates a Class C Clean Air Zone, meaning taxis, private hire vehicles, vans, LGVs, minibuses, buses, coaches and HGVs will be charged if they do not meet emissions standards. Private vehicles (e.g., passenger cars, motorcycles, and mopeds) are not currently subject to charges, but this may change in the future.

When do you have to pay in a Clean Air Zone in Sheffield?

Drivers of non-compliant vehicles need to pay Sheffield's CAZ charge once per day for every day they enter the zone. Cars, vans and light goods vehicles (LGVs) need to pay a daily fee of £10, while buses, coaches and HGVs will pay £50 per day. If they do not pay the charge within six days of entry, they will receive an additional fine of £120.

What happens if you don't pay for the Clean Air Zone in Sheffield?

If you do not pay for the Clean Air Zone in Sheffield, you will receive a penalty charge notice (PCN). This PCN is issued by the local council and will include an additional fine on top of the daily charge. The fine can vary depending on how quickly it is paid, but starts at £120. If you pay this fine within 14 days, it reduces to £60. If you wait longer than 28 days, it increases to £180.

How do you avoid Clean Air charges in Sheffield?

The most effective way to avoid Clean Air Zone charges in Sheffield is by switching to a vehicle that complies with the emissions standards. Whether it's a petrol car or light goods vehicle that meets Euro 4 standards or a diesel car, bus or heavy goods vehicle that meets Euro 6 standards, this is the only way to ensure you won't be charged daily fees.

If you can avoid Sheffield's city centre, you may be able to offset the costs by paying a daily charge on occasional visits. However, driving all the way around the city centre to get from Point A to Point B probably doesn't make logistical sense. And if you're managing a fleet, these charges can amount to several thousand per month. So, it's generally better to invest in vehicles that meet the standards.

How much is the Clean Air Zone charge in Sheffield?

The Clean Air Zone charge in Sheffield is dependent on the type of vehicle. Cars, vans, and light goods vehicles (LGVs) that do not meet emission standards are charged a daily fee of £10. For buses, coaches, and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), the daily charge is significantly higher, set at £50.

What happens if I live in a Clean Air Zone in Sheffield?

The Clean Air charge primarily applies to commercial vehicles, so living within the zone doesn't require you to worry if you only drive a private passenger vehicle. However, if you own a business that involves vehicle use (or drive Uber, Lyft, etc.), you should check the compliance status of your vehicle(s). If they do not meet emissions standards, you will owe daily charges.

How long do I have to pay the Clean Air charge in Sheffield?

You have a total window of 12 days to pay the Clean Air charge — up to 6 days before and after entering the Clean Air Zone in Sheffield to pay your daily charge. If you do not pay within this time frame, you will receive an additional fine of £120 on top of the original daily charge. It's best to pay as soon as possible to avoid these added fees or risk forgetting.

How do I know if I have entered the Clean Air Zone in Sheffield?

You'll know you've entered the Clean Air Zone by the signage and cameras (which are always next to each other). Waze, Google Maps and other navigation apps will also let you know if your route requires CAZ zone entry. There aren't any major roadblocks that require you to pull over and pay on the spot. You are responsible for handing that on your own time.

What happens if you don't follow the Clean Air Act in Sheffield?

You won't face legal repercussions for driving a high-polluting vehicle, but you certainly will suffer daily charges each time you enter. These charges are frustrating. Long-term, they also aren't sustainable. So, it's in your best interest to invest in vehicles that meet the emissions standards set forth by the city.

Why are Clean Air Zones necessary in Sheffield?

Air pollution costs the UK a staggering £20 billion annually, causing 40,000 fatalities. In Sheffield alone, this pervasive issue claims 500 lives each year. To safeguard the well-being of everyone living in the city, the Sheffield Clean Air Zone aims to reduce harmful emissions by enforcing a daily charge for drivers of inefficient vehicles entering the designated area. This proactive measure promotes a healthier environment for all.

How can I contact Sheffield Clean Air Zone support?

To contact the Clean Air Zone support team directly, fill out the online contact form here. To apply for financial support to replace or modify an inefficient vehicle, click here. To contact general Clean Air Zone support, you can call 0300 029 8888.