LOW EMISSION ZONES (LEZS) SCOTLAND

Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are designed to improve air quality and were introduced across Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow on 31 May 2022. Planning continues at a national and local authority level.

Local grace periods now apply until enforcement begins. In Glasgow, the LEZ already applies to buses. FOR OTHER VEHICLE TYPES, ENFORCEMENT WILL START ON 1 JUNE 2023 (1 June 2024 for residents within the zone) y Dundee will start enforcement on 30 May 2024 y Aberdeen will start enforcement on 1 June 2024 y Edinburgh will start enforcement on 1 June 2024

The Scottish Government will continue to develop support and funding to help people and businesses meet LEZ requirements.

WHAT ARE LOW EMISSION ZONES?

Low Emission Zones set an environmental limit on certain city roads, restricting access for the most polluting vehicles to improve air quality. This helps protect public health within our 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 Low Emission Zone will not be able to drive within the zone. A penalty charge will be payable by the vehicle’s registered keeper when a non-compliant vehicle enters the LEZ.

Mopeds and motorcycles are not included in the current LEZ requirements for Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, so will not have to meet the emission standards. Electric vehicles will not be subject to any restrictions.

HOW DO THEY WORK?

Scotland’s Low Emission Zones will only allow access to vehicles which meet minimum emission standards or meet the exemption criteria.

The confirmed minimum criteria for vehicles to access a Low Emission Zone is:

Euro 4 for petrol cars and vans (generally vehicles registered from 2006*)

Euro 6 for diesel cars and vans (generally vehicles registered from September 2015*)

Euro VI for buses, coaches and HGVs (generally vehicles registered from January 2013*)

*These dates are only indicative - please check with your vehicle manual or the manufacturer to confirm.

Vehicles exempt from LEZ entry requirements

Vehicles that are exempt from the LEZ requirements (and therefore will not receive a penalty charge if they drive in the zone and are not compliant) include: y Vehicles for disabled persons (including Blue Badge holders) y Police, Fire, Ambulance and other emergency service vehicles y Military vehicles y Historic vehicles y Showman’s vehicles