The trials for Scotland’s Low Emission Zones are starting now, and the only city to currently enforce penalties is Glasgow City Council. All other local authority areas noted below are carrying out a trial until May 2024. During this trial, if you enter a low emission zone in a vehicle that is considered to be above the emissions threshold, then they will receive a Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) Notice. You can check your vehicle registration at the following link https://www.lowemissionzones.scot/vehicle-registration-checker
What are the benefits of the Low Emissions Zone (LEZ)?
Local authority info below:
Glasgow City Council
We need to reduce levels of harmful vehicle emissions in our city centre. These can cause health problems, particularly for those most vulnerable.
That’s why from 1 June 2023, our Low Emission Zone (LEZ) came into force.
All vehicles entering the city centre zone area must now meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge.
Find out more: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/LEZ
Aberdeen City Council:
Following approval from Scottish Ministers, Aberdeen City Council is introducing a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Aberdeen City Centre from 30th May 2022.
A LEZ is an area where only certain vehicles are allowed to enter based on their emissions standards.
The LEZ is being introduced to address dangerous levels of air pollution in the city centre, mainly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), caused by road traffic.
Enforcement of the LEZ is due to start on 1 June 2024. Please refer to the FAQs and the downloadable LEZ Summary below for information on which vehicles will and will not be able to access the LEZ area. People can now enter their vehicle registration number on the official website for Scotland’s Low Emission Zones to confirm if their vehicle will comply.
Please note that blue badge holders are exempt from all Scottish LEZs. Blue Badge holders who require exemptions can now register their details with a new LEZ exemption system so that the vehicle they are travelling in can access all the Scottish low emission zones.
Find out more: https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/roads-transport-and-parking/low-emission-zone
Dundee City Council:
The Dundee LEZ Scheme was introduced on 30th May 2022. There is a grace period of two years from that date when enforcement of the scheme will not take place. This applies to both residents and non-residents of the LEZ area and for all non-exempt vehicle types, and means enforcement will start on 30th May 2024.
Find out more: https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/city-development/sustainable-transport-and-roads/dundee-low-emission-zone-scheme
Edinburgh City Council
On 31 March 2022 the Transport and Environment Committee approved the Low Emission Zone Scheme Proposal, following legal processes. The city centre LEZ was approved by Scottish Ministers on 19 May 2022 and was introduced on 31 May 2022. Enforcement will start on 1 June 2024, following a two-year grace period for all. Find out about how the LEZ was developed, including supporting evidence.
Find out more: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/lez