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.
National Modelling Framework (NMF)
The National Modelling Framework (NMF) provides a two-tiered standardised approach to modelling air quality in Scotland. This framework is supporting the development and introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZs).
Detailed models for the first four cities covering Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee have provided evidence for taking direct actions at the city scale to reduce street-level emissions. A regional model will provide a tool for screening and assessing the potential air quality impacts associated with large-scale planned developments across local authority areas.
National Low Emission Framework (NLEF)
The National Low Emission Framework (NLEF) was developed to assist in the appraisal of air quality improvement options related to transport. Together with the National Modelling Framework, it provides guidance on the consistent assessment of LEZs requirements across Scotland. In 2019, all local authorities with Air Quality Management Areas other than the four cities were required to complete the NLEF appraisal process. The appraisals can be found in the relevant 2020 annual progress reports. The NLEF can be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-low-emission-framework/.