ULEZ & CAZ Cost Calculator
Today is Sunday 11th January 2026
Clean Air Cost Calculator
Legal Disclaimer
Information Accuracy: The Change Car ULEZ & CAZ Cost Calculator is provided for illustrative and educational purposes only. While we endeavour to keep our 2026 pricing data accurate, Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) rates, boundaries, and entry requirements are subject to frequent change by local authorities (TfL, local councils, and Scottish Government).
No Professional Advice: The results generated do not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. You should not rely solely on this tool to make vehicle purchasing or selling decisions. Always verify your vehicle's compliance status using the official GOV.UK Clean Air Zone service before travelling.
Scottish LEZ Penalties: Estimates for Scottish Low Emission Zones (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee) are based on the 2026 penalty doubling model. Actual fines may vary based on individual local authority enforcement and appeal processes.
The "Clean Air Tax": Is Your Car Costing You a New Lease?
As of 2026, driving a non-compliant vehicle in major UK cities has moved from a "minor inconvenience" to a significant annual expense. With London’s Congestion Charge rising to £18 per day and Scotland’s penalty-based LEZ systems in full effect, many drivers are paying more in daily charges than they would for a monthly finance payment on a brand-new, compliant car.
Our ULEZ & CAZ Cost Calculator helps you visualize the "hidden" annual cost of keeping your current vehicle versus the potential savings of switching to a Euro-6 Diesel, Euro-4 Petrol, or Electric Vehicle (EV).
Major Changes in 2026 You Need to Know
The rules have tightened significantly this year. Here are the three biggest shifts affecting your wallet:
London Rise
The London Congestion Charge has officially increased to £18 per day. For daily commuters, this totals over £4,300 per year.
EVs Now Pay
The "Cleaner Vehicle Discount" has ended. EVs now pay a portion of the Congestion Charge for the first time in history.
Scottish Fines
Scotland's LEZs (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee) use a "doubling" penalty model. A second entry can cost you £120.
Should You Switch Your Car?
If the calculator above shows an annual cost exceeding £2,500, you are effectively paying for a car you don't own. Here is how to make the transition cost-effective:
- The "Cheap" Compliant Petrol: You don't need an EV to be compliant. Most petrol cars made after 2006 (Euro 4) are ULEZ-exempt. You can often trade a non-compliant diesel for a compliant petrol for a neutral cost.
- Scrappage Schemes: Check if you are eligible for local grants. In 2026, some councils are still offering up to £2,000 for scrapping high-polluting vehicles in exchange for public transport credits or EV vouchers.
- Salary Sacrifice: If you are employed, check if your company offers an EV salary sacrifice scheme. The tax savings often outweigh the cost of the daily zone charges.
- Euro 6 Diesel: If you do high mileage, ensure your next diesel is Euro 6 (generally 2015 or newer) to remain CAZ compliant across all UK cities.
Change Car Strategy
Don't wait for a fine to arrive. If your commute involves a Class D zone (like Bristol, Birmingham, or London), the mathematical reality is that upgrading your car is cheaper than paying the daily charge. Use our "Sell My Car" tool in the sidebar to see what your current vehicle is worth before the market for non-compliant cars dips further.