Separating fact from fiction around Scotland’s Low Emission Zones
Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are designed to protect public health by improving air quality. Scotland enjoys good air quality compared to much of Europe, but further and continued improvement is necessary to protect human health.
This is why Scotland’s LEZs were introduced on 31 May 2022. Glasgow’s LEZ commenced enforcement on 1 June 2023. Enforcement of Dundee’s LEZ started on 30 May 2024 followed by Aberdeen and Edinburgh’s LEZs on 1 June 2024.
Now enforcement has begun, let us address some of the myths around LEZs and remind people driving into Scotland’s four LEZ areas what they can expect.
Myth – air pollution isn’t a problem
Truth – air quality is improving in Scotland, but there is no safe level of air pollution
In Europe, over 320 cities have LEZ schemes – an increase of more than 40% since 2019[1]. LEZs have rapidly expanded across Europe in response to growing understanding around the dangers of air pollution caused by vehicle emissions to the youngest, oldest and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
There is no safe level of air pollution[2]. That is the emerging global scientific and medical consensus. Research from the University of Dundee in 2014 by Professor Jill Belch, found that around half of 35,000 respiratory hospital emissions for children (aged 16 and under) over a 14 year period were associated with elevated air pollution[3].
LEZs are helping us meet minimum standards – but these minimum standards cannot be the extent of our ambitions. Further air quality improvements will deliver continued benefits to communities across Scotland.
Myth – LEZs damage footfall and harm the economy
Truth – It is not accurate to claim that LEZs impact city centre activity
Footfall metrics from the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce reported in 2024 that weekends were at 100% of pre-COVID figures and night-time footfall at 116% of pre-COVID levels. Other LEZ local authorities have also advised that there appears to be no obvious correlation between LEZ enforcement starting and a decline in footfall in the city.
However, it is clear there are many factors at play in relation to activity in city centres throughout the country - including post-COVID work and shopping patterns, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Myth – Only electric vehicles are allowed to be driven in a LEZ
Truth – The majority of vehicles including petrol and diesel vehicles can be driven in a LEZ
Whilst switching to an electric vehicle is very much encouraged as we respond to the climate emergency, it is not required to enter any of Scotland’s LEZs. LEZs allow for Euro 4 (petrol) and Euro 6 (diesel) vehicles, therefore most petrol vehicles registered after 2006 and diesel vehicles registered after September 2015 meet this standard are able to be driven in the zones.
Data provided by the DVLA estimates that over 75% of all licenced vehicles registered in Scotland are LEZ compliant and not affected by LEZ restrictions. Over time as new vehicles are purchased and older vehicles scrapped, the percentage of vehicles that can enter LEZs will increase further.
Myth – This is an unfair scheme that impacts disabled people
Truth – Blue Badge holders are exempt from LEZ restrictions
Blue Badge holders and those in receipt of certain disability payments/tax reductions are exempt from LEZ restrictions.
Full information on disability exemptions and the Blue Badge Holder Exemption process is available on the LEZ Scotland website.
Myth – Scotland’s LEZs cover the entire city
Truth – LEZs only apply to defined city centre areas
LEZs cover part of the city centre in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow and are approximately 1 mile square in area.
Find out about each local LEZ boundary area at the respective local authority websites:
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
Myth – You have to pay to enter a LEZ
Truth – You cannot pay to access a LEZ
You cannot pay to drive a non-compliant vehicle in a LEZ. Owners of non-compliant vehicles driven in a LEZ will receive a Penalty Charge Notice.
Myth – People and businesses are being left unsupported by these changes
Truth – There has been continuous and sustained support for people who need it most
The Scottish Government is providing £4 million in grants for the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) Support Fund for 2024-25. This funding offers a £2000 cash incentive in exchange for scrapping non-compliant cars and vans, or retrofitting. This also offers up to £1000 in Travel Better credits to purchase a bike, e-bike or public transport vouchers.
Delivered through Energy Saving Trust, this funding offers help to those most affected by LEZs. This provides lower income households and micro-businesses with financial support to travel more sustainably in order to improve air quality and protect public health. Further information is available on the Energy Saving Trust website through the link below:
Low emission zone support fund for households - Energy Saving Trust
Since 2020, the Scottish Government has provided households and smaller businesses over £15 million in grant funding to support the disposal of a non-compliant vehicles and adaptation to Low Emission Zones.
Over 4000 non-compliant vehicles have been disposed of, and over 600 taxis and vans have been retrofitted with low emission technology with the support of this grant funding. This has encouraged a shift towards sustainable transport options – enabling the purchase of over 2500 bikes, e-bikes or cargo bikes for homes and businesses. Low Emission Zones also work to support climate action. Initiatives like free bus travel for under 22’s and a rapid expansion of active travel infrastructure across Scotland – are all making it easier for more people to choose healthier and more sustainable transport.
Myth – LEZs focus on individual drivers of cars and vans instead of buses
Truth – Buses also need to comply with LEZs and are part of the solution to air quality challenges
Buses remain part of the solution in offering less congestion and lower transport emissions, and are required to meet emission standards to enter Scotland’s LEZs. Buses which meet emission standards or are zero-emission, offer even greater benefits for communities.
The Bus Emission Abatement Retrofit (BEAR) fund supports bus operators with grants for the financial costs associated with upgrading engines and exhausts to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
The BEAR fund has provided £24m in Scottish Government grants to enable over 1200 buses and coaches to reduce NOX (nitrogen oxides) and particulates by retrofitting Euro 6 exhaust systems.
BEAR funding has offered an effective solution for hundreds of mid-life buses used daily within Scotland and is already delivering significant reductions in emissions.
Since 2020, the Scottish Government has also supported operators to order over 800 zero emission buses and associated infrastructure with £150 million capital investment.
References
[1] The-development-trends-of-low-emission-and-zero-emission-zones-in-Europe-1.pdf (cleancitiescampaign.org)
[2] Air pollution: science shows there’s no safe limit – here’s how laws must change (theconversation.com)
[3] Children are more vulnerable to poor air quality, says Dundee study - BBC News
[4] Glasgow's Low Emission Zone is now in force (lowemissionzones.scot)
[5] City Centre Performance Dashboard | Glasgow Chamber of Commerce