Low emission zone York

Important!

York has an environmental zone: York

Name of the environmental zone: Environmental zone York - United Kingdom

Date of entry into effect of the zone: 31-01-2020

Type of environmental zone: Permanent, 24 hours a day

Not allowed to drive (temporarily): Information currently unavailable

Not allowed to drive (permanently): Vehicle class: bus (M3)
Fuel type: gasoline, diesel, LPG, CNG
Euronorm: 0-5

Fines: up to 1.000 €

Area/extension of the environmental zone: The zone is located in the so-called inner ring of York, in the city center.
It is bordered by the A1036 with the streets:
Lord Mayor's Walk, Jewbury, Foss Island Rd, Tower St, Bishopgate St, Nunnnery Ln, Queen St, Station Rd.

Special features: Retrofitting permitted : yes (NOx)

Contact of the environmental zone and exceptions: City of York Council, Public Protection
Eco Depot, Hazel Court,
York, YO10 3DS
Tel: (01904) 551525
Email: public.protection@york.gov.uk

Exemptions: Fire brigade, Military, Police car and Ambulance

What is an environmental zone (LEZ/ZFE/ZBE)?

An environmental zone is a specific area in a city or region that is protected by regulations and restrictions to improve air quality. These zones are usually established to reduce emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which are responsible for poor air quality in many cities.

In these zones, certain rules apply to vehicle access based on vehicle emissions. This may include imposing driving bans on certain types of vehicles, such as older diesel vehicles, or requiring the creation of an eco-label for vehicles. This mark, which must be affixed to the vehicle, confirms that the vehicle complies with the applicable emission regulations and is therefore authorized to drive in the low emission zone.

The introduction of low emission zones has led to a significant improvement in air quality in many cities. It has been observed that emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter have been reduced in these zones, thereby improving the health of residents. The number of respiratory diseases and cardiovascular diseases also decreased.

However, it is not just the introduction of environmental zones alone that can lead to an improvement in air quality. It is necessary to take other measures to reduce emissions overall. These include, for example, promoting electromobility, increasing energy efficiency and creating alternative means of transportation such as bicycles and public transportation.

Environmental zones are an important tool to improve air quality in cities and regions and reduce the impact of air pollution on the health of residents. They are used in many European countries and have shown to have a positive effect on air quality.

Environmental zones are also known in other countries as Environmental Zones, Clean Air Zones (England), Miljøzone (Denmark), Miljözon (Sweden), Lavutslippssone (Norway), Alacsony Kibocsátási Övezet (Hungary), Zona ambientale (Italy), Umweltzonen (Germany), Milieuzones (Netherlands), ZFE - Zone à Faibles Émissions (France) and Lage-emissiezone (Belgium), ZBE - Zona de baixes emissiones (Spain).

Winter zone: There are environmental zones which are only seasonally active or have stricter rules for certain months. This means that these zones are active, for example, from September 15 to April 15 of the following year. Outside of this time, no or less strict driving restrictions apply and you can drive freely. One country with many winter zones is Italy. 

No. Here you do not need to buy a sticker or apply for registration. You only have to follow the rules of entry.


Our Green-Zones App helps you to avoid penalties.

Unfortunately there are no exact street signs known. Therefore it is difficult to know when you are in the environmental zone.


Our Green-Zones App helps you to avoid penalties.

Good to know...

All current driving bans and further information are available in our Green-Zones App.


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