Drivers confused by low-emission zone anti-pollution measures

One in three motorists do not know if their car meets Euro 6 emission standards, according to recent findings.

Despite the recently published and long awaiting clarification on company car BIK rates for 2020/21, many drivers are still in a state of confusion regarding the emissions ratings of their vehicles; and the potential impact this has on Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) penalties.

Analysts for online motor retailer BuyaCar.co.uk found that a majority of the drivers questioned had cars under three years old – meaning they would be unaffected by charges such as the London ULEZ. 

However, when asked if their cars would be charged for driving into a ULEZ or not, 41% said “they had no idea”; while 37% did not know if their car met the current Euro 6 emissions standard.

Austin Collins, managing director of BuyaCar.co.uk, said: "Our findings suggest that many motorists are hopelessly confused about the impact of ultra low emission zone charges on them and are often unnecessarily switching away from diesel even when it remains the best option for them.

"Our research has consistently revealed worries among diesel drivers about the prospect of being penalised for entering cities now and in the future, as ultra low emission zones are rolled out across the country. But this is the first time we have found such a clear gap between their fears and reality.

"While it is true that most diesel cars on the roads will be affected by the charges announced or proposed in more than 20 cities up and down the UK, our research focused on people whose cars would not be affected.

"But we found that a sizeable minority of drivers have no understanding of the emissions standards that their existing cars meet and many of those people are planning to switch away from diesel without knowing whether or not the new clean air zones will pose a problem for them or not.”

As reported by Fleet News, the BVRLA has recently voiced concern that the Road to Zero strategy risks falling short – with long-term tax incentives, improved lead times and more rapid charge points needed if the Government is to meet its ‘net zero’ emissions pledge.

Fleet decision makers looking to avoid penalty charges and strengthen their cost control can use the Fleet News clean air zone tool.