A motoring expert has urged drivers to learn a road sign growing in popularity in UK cities (Image: Getty)
Drivers have been warned to that typically goes unnoticed, forcing motorists into .
As more parts of the UK vow to , a number of major cities have introduced , with drivers using older, more polluting vehicles needing to pay a fee for entering to avoid the risk of fines.
However, Mattijs Wijnmalen, CEO of the toll regulations and compliance organisation TollwayR, highlighted that many drivers have found the signs marking to be unclear.
He explained: ” are implemented to improve urban air quality, but many drivers are being fined simply because they don’t understand what the signs mean or aren’t aware they need to pay.
“This creates unnecessary frustration and financial strain, particularly for those travelling into unfamiliar areas.”
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Owners of petrol cars made before 2005 or diesels made before 2015 will likely have to pay to enter (Image: Getty)
Clean Air Zones are currently enforced in the central parts of Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield, and Tynesde (Newcastle and Gateshead), with Greater Manchester also considering the roll out of one.
However, despite being widespread across many parts of the country, a significant number of drivers are being caught out with fines, either because they are unfamiliar with the area or do not know what the signs indicate.
No matter the reason, drivers who fail to pay six days after they take their non-compliant vehicle into a Clean Air Zone face a fine of £60, which doubles to £120 if it is not paid within 14 days.
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Clean Air Zone signs feature a cloud on a green circle and share where the restriction begins (Image: Getty)
To avoid being fined for a genuine mistake, TollwayR urged motorists to learn the signs that indicate that a Clean Air Zone is approaching.
These signs typically have a dark blue background and feature a partially-covered cloud within a green circle. They are also marked as ‘Clean Air Zone’ at the top of the sign, stating how far drivers have to travel before entering the area.
Local residents who live in a city with a Clean Air Zone should also research the exact area the restriction covers, which can help them to identify roads to avoid in order to prevent being charged.
Finally, Mattijs recommended that passengers taking longer trips should plan their route carefully to avoid accidentally straying into a zone.
He advised: “We urge drivers to check their compliance before entering these zones and plan their routes carefully.
“Greater clarity in signage and communication would make a huge difference in preventing fines while supporting the broader goals of the initiative.”