In September 2017, the Scottish Government in its Programme for Government, committed to the introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) into Scotland’s four biggest cities (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee) by 2020 and into all other Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs) by 2023 where the NLEF appraisal advocates such mitigation. This timetable was however extended due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is an area which sets an environmental limit on certain city roads, restricting access for the most polluting vehicles to improve air quality. This helps protect public health within cities, making them more attractive places in which to live, work and to visit. Vehicles that do not meet the emission standards set for a LEZ may be subject to a penalty charge notice.
LEZs were introduced across Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow on 31 May 2022 at varying levels of enforcement.
The geographic extent, scope, timescales for implementation of Scotland’s LEZs were determined by each local authority.
For more information on local LEZs, please visit the relevant local authority website: (use links already provided):
- Aberdeen: aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/roads-transport-and-parking/low-emission-zone
- Dundee: dundeecity.gov.uk/lez
- Edinburgh: edinburgh.gov.uk/lez
- Glasgow: glasgow.gov.uk/LEZ
You can also get additional information on Scotland LEZs at the Low Emission Zone Scotland website here and provided below. Amongst others the site provides a vehicle checker facility, information on exemptions and latest news.