More than 9.6 million Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) have been issued to UK drivers since 2019 for breaking Clean Air Zone (CAZ) rules, according to a Freedom of Information request by MotorEasy. The fines apply in three major cities, London, Portsmouth, and Bradford, where low-emission zones operate under different enforcement standards. London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), active since 2019, dominates the penalty totals, while Portsmouth and Bradford introduced their zones in 2021 and 2022, respectively, broadening the network of restricted areas. Some zones charge entry fees, while others only penalize violations after the fact.
Repeat violations are widespread. The data reveals 300,000 drivers have received multiple PCNs, with Birmingham’s CAZ alone issuing 269,793 fines between 2021 and 2026. Sheffield recorded 31,455 repeat offenses from 2023 to 2025, and Portsmouth logged 2,374 cases over five years. The high recurrence suggests many drivers enter these zones without understanding the rules.
Confusion arises from the lack of standardized regulations. England operates eight active emission zones, with additional schemes in Scotland, each setting its own criteria. This inconsistency means a vehicle compliant in one city may face fines in another. Drivers often hit with a £120 fine before they’ve even parked.
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Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO of Intelligent Motoring and founder of MotorEasy, acknowledged the health benefits of these zones but criticized the fragmented approach. “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.
Motorists must verify zone requirements before traveling, particularly if they’ve recently upgraded their vehicle. A new car may meet local standards but still fail in another region. Without a unified system, drivers must research each zone separately, raising the risk of mistakes.
MotorEasy’s findings reflect broader trends in urban emissions policies, where local authorities weigh environmental goals against driver convenience.
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