THE Scottish Conservatives have been called out for “hypocrisy” over their opposition to the introduction of a low emission zone (LEZ) in Aberdeen.
This weekend Aberdeen joined Edinburgh in introducing an LEZ to its city centre.
Both cities joined Dundee and Glasgow, who have already instituted their own zones.
However, Tory politicians turned out to protest against the zone in Aberdeen on Saturday.
"Aberdeen’s LEZ zone will hammer hard-pressed motorists with older vehicles who can’t afford to replace them,” said Tory candidate for Aberdeen South John Wheeler.
"It’s little wonder that a protest has been organised on Saturday which I hope to attend with campaigners to make voices heard.
"Several businesses, including the taxi trade, believe the LEZ could threaten their future which is why both Aberdeen City Council and the SNP Government must listen to any concerns on what impact the scheme is having on them when it goes live."
In an article published by Aberdeen Live, Wheeler was pictured alongside Tory MSP Douglas Lumsden.
But the SNP have pointed out that the LEZ in Aberdeen was backed by Lumsden when he was co-leader of Aberdeen City Council in 2020.
In an audio recording from 2020 posted to social media, Lumsden said: “Earlier this year we approved a low emission for the city with ambitious targets for our partners.
“The growing public demand for society to become environmentally responsible has not been lost on this council.
“I make no apology that today’s budget challenges this chamber to makes its contribution to this global issue.
“I am therefore proud to announce that included within our budget today we have set aside £5 million to invest in alternative-fuel powered council fleet vehicles.
“This is our commitment and contribution to delivering an ambitious low emission zone within the heart of our city”.
Reacting to the clip, SNP leader at Westminster Stephen Flynn said it displayed “the worst kind of politics”.
“Well this is awkward,” he said.
“The Tories appear to be campaigning today against the emissions zone they approved alongside their Labour coalition colleagues.
“All very Boris. All very cynical. The worst kind of politics.”
The Scottish Greens have said the introduction of low emission zones in city centres will help save lives by reducing the level of air pollution.
