Nottingham took a different approach to emissions — instead of a CAZ, the council introduced the UK's only Workplace Parking Levy in 2012, charging employers £522 per parking space per year. That cost is often passed on to commuting staff, making Nottingham an unusual UK city to drive into for work. There's no daily charge for ordinary journeys, however, and the tram network (NET) keeps central traffic noticeably lighter than peer cities like Leicester or Derby.
🟢 No Clean Air Zone
Applies to: Nottingham has no Clean Air Zone. Has a Workplace Parking Levy (employer-paid) instead.
Operating hours: n/a
Workplace Parking Levy applies to employers with 11+ parking spaces — currently £522/space/year. Often passed on to staff via salary sacrifice or direct parking charges.
⛽ Fuel prices in Nottingham
Nottingham fuel sits at the East Midlands average. Asda Long Eaton, Tesco Top Valley and Sainsbury's Castle Marina are typically cheapest. M1 services at Trowell and Donington Park carry significant premiums.
📍 Key areas & postcodes
💡 Local tip: Tram-lane errors are pricey
Nottingham's tram routes (Hucknall, Phoenix Park, Toton) cross several main roads at grade. Drivers unfamiliar with the city often turn into a tram-only section near the Old Market Square or by Nottingham Station — both are heavily enforced. The fine is £70 (£35 if paid early).
🔧 MOT testing in Nottingham
Nottingham has roughly 220 DVSA-approved MOT centres. The most competitive cluster is in Bilborough, Beeston and Long Eaton. Several long-established independents on Daleside Road are popular for honest no-pressure MOT-prep advice.
🔋 EV charging in Nottingham
Nottingham has been a leader in low-emission public transport (UK's first all-electric tram network, electric buses). Public car charging is concentrated at the Trinity Square car park, Victoria Centre and the major retail parks (Showcase, Castle Marina).
Frequently asked questions about driving in Nottingham
What is the Nottingham Workplace Parking Levy and who pays it?+
The Workplace Parking Levy is a £522/year charge per parking space, paid by employers with 11+ spaces. Many employers pass the cost on to staff via parking permits, payroll deduction or salary-sacrifice schemes.
Does Nottingham have a Clean Air Zone?+
No — Nottingham chose the Workplace Parking Levy approach instead of a CAZ. There's no per-journey charge for entering the city.
How do I avoid driving into Nottingham's tram-only sections?+
Follow standard satnav guidance — modern systems (Apple Maps, Google, Waze) all correctly route around tram-only lanes. The risk areas are Goldsmith Street, the Old Market Square area, and Station Street near the Magistrates' Court.
Live fuel prices, MOT reminders & dashboard light decoder
AI Pocket Mechanic shows you the cheapest fuel in Nottingham right now, reminds you when your MOT is due, and decodes any warning light from a photo.
Download free for iPhone