A number of clean air zones will be enforced across Scotland’s cities over the coming years in a bid to tackle poor air quality.
Low emission zones - or LEZ - were implemented Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee this week following in the footsteps of Glasgow which applied the rules earlier.
All of the cities involved in the scheme say that this is due to “harmful nitrogen dioxide” being recorded in centres which do not meet “statutory objectives”.
The implementation of the system means that drivers face a fine if their vehicle is considered to be non-compliant with air pollution regulations when entering certain areas.
And while information on the low emission zones is being plastered across these cities, many will not enforce penalties until 2024 to allow residents and business time to get used to the rules - except for Glasgow, where LEZ already applies for buses.
Transport Scotland says that the zones are designed to make these areas ‘cleaner and healthier places to live, work and visit’.
Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “The introduction of Low Emission Zones is a truly significant public health moment for Scotland.
“Our air quality is generally good - but for too long air pollution has exceeded legal limits for health in our city centres as a consequence of unrestricted vehicle emissions
“We have a moral responsibility to act. Air pollution often disproportionally impacts those with the least in our society. It causes the most damage to the youngest, the oldest and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
“LEZs are the biggest change we’ve ever seen in how vehicles will access our cities - and they need to be, in order to best protect public health and improve air quality.”
Where will LEZ apply?
Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen implemented a LEZ earlier this week.
Phase one of Glasgow’s LEZ was applied earlier than the other three cities, with the rules being applicable to local service buses only.
The second phase of Glasgow’s plan will be enforced from June 1, 2023 - all vehicles entering the city from this point must meet the required emission standards to avoid a penalty.
All zone residents will have an additional year to comply, with enforcement starting from June 1, 2024.
Edinburgh will begin enforcement from June 2024, Dundee on May 30, 2024 and Aberdeen on June 1, 2024. All of these cities will begin imposing fines on drivers of non-compliant cars from these dates.
The systems will be in place 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. The start of LEZ areas will be signposted before drivers enter.
Information on where the rules apply can be found on each of the councils’ websites.
Which vehicles are compliant?
Vehicles that do not meet the emission standards set in LEZ will not be able to drive within the zone.
Drivers found to be in breach of the rules will face being slapped with a penalty charge when entering the designated zones.
The minimum emission standards for vehicles permitted within the four LEZs are:
- Euro 4 for petrol cars and vans (generally vehicles registered from January 2006)
- Euro 6 for diesel cars and vans (generally vehicles registered from September 2015)
Any exemptions?
A number of vehicles are exempt from the rules under LEZ regulations - these include motorbikes and mopeds.
Fully electric vehicles will also comply with LEZ requirements.
Other exemptions include:
- Police
- Ambulance
- Scottish Fire and Rescue
- Her Majesty’s Coastguard
- Military vehicles
- Vehicles for disabled people (including blue badge holders)
- Historic vehicles
- Showman’s vehicles
What is the penalty for failing to meet the rules?
Drivers of non-compliant vehicles will be given a fixed penalty of £60, which will be reduced if paid within 14 days.
The fee will double with every additional breach made within 90 days. This will be capped at £480 for cars and light goods vehicles and £960 for buses and HGVs.
Authorities will reset the penalty down to £60 if no further breaches are made within 90 days.
APNR camera technology will be used to track non-compliant drivers in all of the areas.
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