Drivers are being warned about four new low emission zones that are due to start loading in the next few weeks, which could result in millions of motorists being hit with hefty fines.
Major cities across the UK have taken action to improve air quality. Many support emissions-based fee zones. Four new zones have been created in Scotland.
All non-compliant vehicles entering an LEZ across Scotland face a £60 fine, with the fine doubling for each subsequent offence, capped at £480 for cars and lorries, while for minibuses, buses, coaches and lorries the maximum penalty could be imposed is £980.
The minimum criteria include Euro 4 for petrol vehicles (generally approved from 2006), Euro 6 for diesel (approved from September 2015) and Euro VI for buses, coaches and trucks (from January 2013).
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Enforcement of the four environmental zones will take place in the coming days
ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL
Aberdeen
Aberdeen’s low emission zone will start charging drivers from Saturday June 1 as it aims to clean the city’s air, a requirement made by the government in 2022.
Estimates suggest that 85 per cent of vehicles in the city already comply with the LEZ and drivers can check the status of their vehicle against emissions regulations on the Aberdeen City Council website.
The zone will include areas within the northern boundary of Skene Street, School Hill, Upper Kirkgate and Littlejohn Street; North Street and Commerce Street to the east; Virginia Street, Guild Street, College Street and Willowbank Road to the south; and Rose Street, Thistle Street; and Holborn Street to the west.
Map of Aberdeen LEZ boundaries
ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL
Dundee
The city originally introduced its low emission zone on May 30, 2022, however a two-year grace period has been introduced giving locals time to change their vehicle, with enforcement beginning on May 30, 2024.
The affected area is within the A991 Inner Ring Road, excluding Bell Street, West Marketgait NCP and Wellgate car parks.
Two funding programs are still available for drivers who need to convert or change their vehicle. Households can receive up to £3,000 and businesses can receive £2,000.
The Dundee LEZ boundary map
DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL
Edinburgh
The Scottish capital will operate its LEZ 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with enforcement and fines commencing from June 1, 2024.
The zone is signposted at entry and exit points and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras are deployed to catch drivers breaking the rules.
Motorists are asked to be careful when driving within the city center. The LEZ extends from Tollcross in the south, through Palmerston Place in the west along Queen Street in New Town to Picardy Place around Abbeyhill and onto Holyrood Road along the Pleasance in the east before returning along the Meadows to Tollcross.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The Edinburgh LEZ boundary map
EDINBURGH CITY COUNCIL
Glasgow
Phase one of the LEZ was introduced in December 2018, but only applied to buses, followed by phase two for all vehicles on June 1 last year. Effective June 1, 2024, enforcement will apply to vehicles registered on a residential property within the zone.
A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “Scottish LEZs are based on a penalty system enshrined in legislation to deter non-compliant vehicles from entering the zone and to maximize the air quality benefits that can be achieved.”
The LEZ is approximately one square mile in size and covers an area of the city center bounded by the M8 motorway to the north and west, the River Clyde to the south and Saltmarket/High Street to the east.
The Glasgow LEZ boundary map
GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL