Scotland's Low Emission Zones - are you ready for enforcement?

Low Emission Zones (LEZs) were introduced in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow in May 2022.

Enforcement starts soon for Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh.

• Dundee will start enforcement on 30 May 2024
• Aberdeen will start enforcement on 1 June 2024
• Edinburgh will start enforcement on 1 June 2024.

Check your vehicle now to see if you’re compliant for Scotland’s LEZs.

Glasgow’s LEZ was enforced on 1 June 2023, after which owners of non-compliant vehicles who drive in the LEZ were issued with a Penalty Charge Notice.

Local grace periods now apply in cities until enforcement begins.

• Dundee will start enforcement on 30 May 2024
• Aberdeen will start enforcement on 1 June 2024
• Edinburgh will start enforcement on 1 June 2024

To check your vehicle, please use our vehicle checker.

What is a Low Emission Zone?

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. Owners of older, more polluting vehicles that do not meet the minimum emission standards will face a penalty charge if they enter a LEZ when enforcement begins.

Blue Badge exemption

There are several exemptions which cover vehicles being used for the purposes of disabled persons, as outlined in the following circumstances:

• A vehicle registered with a 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger vehicles' tax class.

• A vehicle receiving a reduction in annual rate of vehicle excise duty because the vehicle is being used by a disabled person in receipt of personal independence payment at the standard rate.
• Blue Badge holders

The Blue Badge holder exemption covers:

• A vehicle being driven by any person who is in receipt of a Blue Badge.

• A passenger in the vehicle who has been issued with a Blue Badge.

• A vehicle being driven with a Blue Badge which has been issued to an organisation.

If you are eligible for a Blue Badge holder exemption, you will need to register in advance of travel.

Find out more about Blue Badge exemptions here.

Exemptions

Some vehicles are exempt from the LEZ requirements (and therefore will not receive a penalty charge if they drive in the zone and are not compliant). These include:

• Vehicles for disabled persons (including Blue Badge holders)

• Police, Fire, Ambulance and other emergency service vehicles

• Military vehicles

• Historic vehicles

• Showman’s vehicles

Find out more about exemptions here.

Support is available

The Scottish Government is committed to helping those who will have most difficulty preparing for LEZs in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Funding is available for individuals, businesses and organisations within 20km of the LEZ.

The Low Emission Zone Support Fund and the Low Emission Zone Retrofit Fund provides funding for those eligible to dispose of their vehicles, get a LEZ-compliant alternative or retrofit their existing vehicle.

Further information on LEZ support funding is available here.

Local LEZs

For more information on local LEZs, please visit the relevant local authority website:

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

Keep updated

Make sure you are ready for the LEZs.

You can keep up to date with the latest news and the plans for the Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow LEZs by registering your email below.