The Scottish Government has committed to introducing low emission zones (LEZ) into Scotland’s four biggest cities: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee. Each zone is being designed based on local requirements following consultation. SWA and members have already submitted responses to Edinburgh and Glasgow’s consultations and recently attended LEZ events in both cities.

All four cities are expected to have a scheme in place by the end of 2020 with enforcements varying between 2021 and 2022 and on a phased approach. The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 proposes that access to each low emission zone will be based on Euro emission engine classification standards and, as a minimum, will affect any person or company who operate any vehicle below:

  • Euro 6/VI diesel vehicles
  • Euro 4/IV non-diesel vehicles

Edinburgh is considering both a City Centre boundary and a Citywide boundary. Their recent consultation found broad support for the types of vehicles to be included in the LEZ boundaries, with 62% supporting the citywide boundary and 54% in favour of the city centre boundary.

A revised set of proposals in currently being considered by the Transport and Environment Committee and which is due any time soon.

SWA urge members to get the facts now and start planning for:

  • The changes within the cities in which you operate and their LEZ boundaries.
  • What changes you may need to make within your company and your fleet.
  • What changes your STAFF require to make to enable them to get to and from work!

Without getting ready for the change you could face penalty fines.  Barry McCullouch, Senior Policy Advisor at the FSB, presented at the recent Edinburgh LEZ event and highlighted that these could include:

  • £60 fine for 1st offence for a car or van
  • £500 fine for 1st offence for a lorry or bus
  • Professional fine up to £5,000 for continual entry offences

For the most up to date information on local LEZ’s and to check if your vehicle is compliant visit:

https://www.lowemissionzones.scot/

For help and assistance in both potentially upgrading your vehicle to compliance standards or assistance in getting a grant to buy a new vehicle visit:

https://www.lowemissionzones.scot/support-fund

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/businesses-organisations/transport

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) not only offers help and review of your fleet but can assist with interest free loans of up to £35,000 per vehicle and 50% funding towards installing vehicle charge points at your business. The EST can also help with assistance in helping your staff become LEZ ready, ranging for advice and financial support in buying electric vehicles to grants towards buying electric bikes. Contact them on the web link above or phone 0800 0931 669.