A huge number of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) have been issued to UK drivers for breaking the rules of Clean Air Zones (CAZs).
There are now 14 different CAZ locations across the country, including the best-known London Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ).
Introduced to cut air pollution, these low emission zones have differing rules about which vehicles are allowed to enter them.
There are four different classifications of CAZ in the UK. In some cases, drivers have to pay to access them. In others, they are only fined for contravening them.
As a result, many drivers are being hit with PCNs for failing to follow the rules, including some for repeated offences.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request made by MotorEasy has uncovered the number of PCNs being issued to drivers for contravening LEZ and CAZ rules.
Repeat offenders racking up fines
MotorEasy has found that more than 9.6 million fines have been dished out in just three cities alone since 2019.
This includes the London ULEZ, which began operating in 2019, followed by the Portsmouth and Bradford CAZs, which started in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
The FOI data also highlighted that thousands of drivers have been issued PCNs multiple times, with some 300,000 repeat offences identified.
Birmingham’s CAZ was noted as being particularly prone to repeat offenders, with a staggering 269,793 fines issued between 2021 and 2026.
The Sheffield CAZ has seen 31,455 repeat offences between 2023 and 2025, with Portsmouth recording only 2,374 cases across the last five years.
Do your CAZ homework before driving
Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO of Intelligent Motoring and founder of MotorEasy, commented: “It’s really encouraging to see robust studies highlighting the positive health benefits of LEZs.
“However, with eight emission zones currently operating in England, alongside schemes in Scotland, and each authority setting its own rules, it is easy for motorists to get caught out when travelling to a new city and face an unexpected fine.”
McClure Fisher added: “With different demands placed on varying infrastructure across UK cities, it is sensible that emissions zones are operated at a regional level. However, there’s no doubt that the different CAZ rules do lead to confusion, with drivers often hit with a £120 fine before they’ve even parked.
“So, it’s vital to do your homework before you leave home. And remember, if you’ve just replaced your vehicle, to check the emission zone requirements for your home city as well, as your new car may not fit into the same CAZ category.”
Motoring Research has a complete guide to all the UK’s current Clean Air Zones, including the rules and requirements to access them.
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