Public encouraged to comment on Low Emission Zone plans before consultations close

With only weeks before public consultations for Scotland’s Low Emission Zones start to draw to a close, people across Scotland are being encouraged to comment on the latest plans proposed for Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The first consultation set to end will be on August 9 for Dundee’s proposals which could see the city introduce an LEZ in spring 2022, with enforcement expected to begin in May/June 2024.

Aberdeen’s consultation will be the next to close on August 22 while next month will see Glasgow’s consultation end on September 2 and Edinburgh’s on September 20.

Each consultation provides an opportunity for people across Scotland to comment on the latest proposals for all four cities’ respective LEZ plans in the areas where LEZs may affect them.

Aimed at improving air quality and protecting public health, Scotland’s LEZ plans set emission standards on certain road spaces and restrict access for the most polluting vehicles. They also support the country’s wider climate change ambitions by encouraging people to think about active travel and using more sustainable transport options.

While Scotland’s air quality is generally good, road transport is a key contributor to the number of polluted hotspots that remain which is why progressing the country’s LEZs continues to be a top priority to help reduce the major impact that air pollution has on people’s health.

Glasgow became Scotland’s first city to introduce the initial stage of its LEZ scheme after Phase 1 was implemented in 2018. It applies to local service buses and a report from SEPA, published in 2020, provides strong evidence that air quality in Glasgow has improved since the LEZ first came into effect. When Phase 2 of Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone is enforced from 1 June 2023, it will apply to all vehicles driving into the city centre.

Both Aberdeen and Edinburgh’s LEZs are intended to be introduced in 2022 and enforced in 2024.

View further details about each consultation and how you can comment at the respective local authority websites:

Aberdeen – Aberdeen's Low Emission Zone - Aberdeen City Council

Consultation - Aberdeen Low Emission Zone Consultation

Dundee - Dundee's Low Emission Zone - Dundee City Council

Consultation - Dundee Low Emission Zone Consultation

Edinburgh – Edinburgh's Low Emission Zone - Edinburgh City Council

Consultation - Edinburgh Low Emission Zone Consultation

Glasgow – Glasgow's Low Emission Zone - Glasgow City Council

Consultation - Glasgow Low Emission Zone Consultation