Today marks a year to go until enforcement of a new low emission zone (LEZ) in Aberdeen city centre goes live which will help to improve air quality.
Cameras are to start to be installed on the boundary of the LEZ in the coming months although people will not be fined until 1 June 2024.
Motorists driving non-compliant vehicles in the area from that date will be given a fine although there are exemptions including blue badge holders.
As part of a Scotland-wide programme, LEZs are being introduced in Scotland’s four biggest cities - Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, and Aberdeen. The objective of introducing these LEZs is to tackle air pollution in city centres, mainly nitrogen dioxide, caused by road traffic. The introduction of these LEZs mean approximately more than four out of five vehicles are likely to be compliant with the LEZ by the time enforcement starts.
Blue badge holders are exempt from all Scottish LEZs and they should register their details with a new LEZ exemption system so that the vehicle they are travelling in can access all the low emission zones in Scotland.
An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “LEZs are being introduced across Scotland to help improve air quality in the city centres of the four biggest cities which contributes to the protection of public health and wellbeing.
“The LEZ in Aberdeen will also help the city reach its climate change targets by reducing our road transport’s contribution to emissions and prioritising active and sustainable transport movement.
“All of these benefits helps to create a vibrant, accessible, and safe city centre for everyone.”
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.
Other classes of vehicle which are exempt from the LEZ include emergency services, naval, military or air force vehicles, historic vehicles, showman vehicles, and motorbikes and mopeds.
Households and micro-businesses can apply for a cash grant to assist in the change from a non-compliant vehicle. There is also an additional offer of up to two £500 mobility grants or Travel Better vouchers for people to purchase a bike, e-bike or public transport voucher and more information about the grants is available on Low Emission Zones Scotland. For micro-businesses and following the successful disposal of the vehicle, further funding may be available for a cargo bike option. Micro-businesses can also apply for a retrofit grant for an existing vehicle.
The LEZ was technically introduced in Aberdeen 2022 with a two year ’grace’ period which means between 2022 and 1 June 2024, drivers will not be fined for entering the LEZ with a non-compliant vehicle.
People can find out which streets are in the Aberdeen LEZ at Roads within low emission zone boundary | Aberdeen City Council
More information about LEZs in Scotland including the vehicle checker can be found at Low Emission Zones Scotland | Transport Scotland