Implementing an online database showing drivers the emissions standard for their particular registration plate is essential to avoid confusion under forthcoming Clean Air Zones.

Online emissions database essential for Clean Air Zones, says RAC

So says the RAC as the government pushes ahead with air quality plans that will see towns and cities that breach air quality legal limits implement restrictions on vehicle usage.

The organisation says the current lack of an official, comprehensive number plate look-up system for checking a vehicle’s Euro emissions category – a service already offered to drivers in a number of other European countries – will leave drivers confused about whether or not they are likely to be impacted by the introduction of clean air zones, adding that it’s already seen a big increase in traffic to its own website from people trying to find this information and to understand more about what the Euro emissions standard actually means.

RAC spokesman Rod Dennis said: “The bottom line is that if local authorities are using emission standards as the measure as to whether a charge is applicable, then there must be a way for drivers to check what category their vehicle is.”