A new low emission zone (LEZ) has been introduced across the central belt today, as Glasgow's LEZ system begins on Thursday, June 1.
The zone has been implemented to create a city with cleaner air, healthier communities and better access to public transport.
And while Glasgow's LEZ begins today, Edinburgh will also follow suit by implementing their own, after it was approved back in March 2022.
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The Transport and Environment Committee on the City of Edinburgh Council approved the proposal on March 31, 2022, and the scheme was then passed by Scottish ministers on May 19, 2022.
So, when will Edinburgh's low emission zone be implemented, and how will the fining system work? Read on below to find out more.
When will Edinburgh's low emission zone begin?
Enforcement of the low emission zone in Edinburgh will begin on June 1, 2024. The capital has been working with the Scottish Government in order to:
- reduce harmful emissions from road traffic, to improve air quality and protect public health
- make public transport, and active ways of travelling the best options
- strive for net zero emissions from transport across the city by 2030
How does the low emission zone work?
The low emission zone will operate continuously every day of the year, 24 hours a day. It will restrict vehicles within the boundary, based on vehicle emission standards.
The system will issue penalty charge notices - fines - to vehicles that do not comply with the minimum emission standards.
The LEZ has actually been in place from May 31, 2022 - but there has been a two-year 'grace' period in the capital before the fines will be applied.
The system will be enforced with automatic number plate recognition cameras and sign-posted at entry and exit points across Edinburgh.
The Council will only issue penalty charge notices from June 1, 2024, and to vehicles who do not comply with the low emission zone laws.
These fines will apply to all vehicles except those:
- entitled to an exemption
- motorcycles and mopeds
The Scottish Government and their partners have funding support to encourage residents and business to change to low and zero emission transport options.
Where is the low emission zone in Edinburgh?
The LEZ boundary circles the city centre from:
- Tollcross in the south
- to Palmerston Place in the west
- along Queen Street in the New Town
- to Picardy Place
- around Abbeyhill and onto Holyrood Road
- along the Pleasance in the east
- before heading back along the Meadows to Tollcross.
The boundary itself is not within the LEZ. All vehicles may drive around the boundary, including non-compliant vehicles.
How much are the fines for non-compliant vehicles?
Cars, vans and light goods and special purpose vehicles
The initial penalty charge for non-compliant vehicles is £60. If the penalty is not paid within 28 days, the second time that vehicle enters the LEZ within 90 days, the penalty doubles to £120.
If the vehicle enters a third time within the same 90 days, it increases to £240. The penalty will increase to £480 for a fourth time within the same 90 days.
It will not be increased for a fifth time the vehicle enters the LEZ.
Minibuses, buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles
The initial penalty charge for non-compliant vehicles is £60.
If the penalty is not paid within 28 days, the second time that vehicle enters the LEZ within 90 days, the penalty doubles to £120.
If the vehicle enters a third time within the same 90 days, it increases to £240. The penalty will increase to £480 if it enters a fourth time within the same 90 days.
If the vehicle enters a fifth time within the same 90 days, the penalty will increase to £960.
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