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There is a common misconception that pick-up trucks are big, dirty polluters, but they are actually cleaner than many people think.

We also all know they can go places that many other vehicles can’t.  That’s not just off-road, but also in the heart of towns and cities that are aiming to reduce vehicle emissions.

The country currently has five low emission zones where charges are levied against certain vehicles when they enter the zone. 

A low emission zone, often called a LEZ or sometimes a CAZ – meaning clean air zone – is an area that a council has defined to limit certain types of vehicles driving through them as a way to cut harmful pollutants from the air.

London is the best-known city to have a LEZ, as well as an Ultra LEZ, but more cities are beginning to adopt them.  This includes Glasgow, Bath and, most recently my local city of Birmingham.  Others, such as Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Manchester are set to follow suit from next year.

But before you think about having to dip into your bank account to pay the LEZ charge for taking your pick-up into one of these cities, don’t worry, modern pick-up trucks feature engines that meet a standard called Euro 6, which means they are currently exempt from being charged for driving in a LEZ.

The Euro 6 rules control how much carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter vehicles can emit per kilometre driven. 

These standards have made vans, trucks and pick-ups cleaner as well as more fuel-efficient, which based on the challenges many of us have had filling up recently due to the lack of diesel deliveries, is very welcome!

In my experience, living close to Birmingham, I have seen the benefit of using a pick-up truck.  My daughter is at university in the city and drives an older vehicle, which incurs a LEZ charge every time she travels into Birmingham. 

It actually works out better for the environment and is cheaper for us, if I drive her too and from her studies in my pick-up.

Definitely a case of Dad to the rescue!