Almost 10 million fines have been issued to drivers breaking emissions rules around the UK, as experts urge motorists to pay attention or risk huge fines.Research from a Freedom of Information request found that more than 9.6 million penalty charge notices have been issued since 2019.Almost 10 million fines have been issued in London (2019-2026), Portsmouth (2021-2026) and Bradford (2022-2026) as councils crack down on polluting vehicles.Penalties can be issued for drivers breaching Clean Air Zones, Low Emission Zones, Zero Emission Zones and London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone if their vehicles are not compliant.The FOI data from MotorEasy found that there have been more than 300,000 instances of drivers repeatedly breaking Clean Air Zone rules.It is unclear whether drivers are repeatedly and deliberately flouting emissions regulations, or if they are genuinely confused by the rules.Duncan McClure Fisher, CEO of Intelligent Motoring and founder of MotorEasy, emphasised how an increasing number of regions and councils are looking at mitigating pollution.He pointed to research from Imperial College London that shows Ulez has contributed to improvements in children’s lung health and function.More than 9.6 million fines have been issued for London’s Ulez and Clean Air Zones in Bradford and Portsmouth | PA/GETTYResearchers found that children’s exposure to nitrogen dioxide fell rapidly in the five years following the introduction of the Ulez.Mr McClure Fisher continued, saying: “It’s really encouraging to see robust studies highlighting the positive health benefits of LEZs. “However, with eight emission zones currently operating in England, alongside schemes in Scotland, and each authority setting its own rules, it is easy for motorists to get caught out when travelling to a new city and face an unexpected fine.”Clean Air Zones can be found in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead).London’s Ulez has helped improve air quality around the capital since it launched | PAWhile Scotland doesn’t have Clean Air Zones, similar Low Emission Zones can be found in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.Aside from London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone is the only other emissions-based charging zone across the UK.Mr McClure Fisher called on drivers to use the Government’s online vehicle checker to see whether they could fall foul of Clean Air Zone rules before setting off.Drivers can enter their vehicle registration into the website, confirm their details and see whether they will be charged for any Clean Air Zone.Several Clean Air Zones are operational around the UK | PAPenalties for flouting the rules can vary depending on which emissions-based charging area they travel through.Mr McClure Fisher said: “There’s no doubt that the different CAZ rules do lead to confusion, with drivers often hit with a £120 fine before they’ve even parked. “So, it’s vital to do your homework before you leave home and always remember, if you’ve just replaced your vehicle to check the emission zone requirements for your home city too, as your new vehicle may not fit into the same CAZ category.”