Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are being introduced in Scotland’s four largest cities: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, next year. LEZs are a key initiative established to protect public health by reducing levels of air pollution from road traffic.
Vehicles that do not meet the minimum emission standards will face a penalty if they enter a Low Emission Zone. Generally, petrol cars registered before 2006 and diesel cars registered before September 2015 will not be allowed to enter a Low Emission Zone area. The date of vehicle registration is only a guide. Please check with your vehicle manual or the manufacturer.
Funding has been made available to help low-income families meet these requirements via the LEZ Support Fund.
Households in receipt of particular means-tested benefits can claim up to £3,000 through the LEZ Support Fund. This includes £2,000 which can be used to dispose of an older car. The money can be used to help replace it with an LEZ-compliant car or be invested in an alternative mode of transport. Additionally, up to two £500 ‘Travel Better’ vouchers can be claimed for use towards sustainable travel options e.g. to buy a bike or e-bike and/or to purchase a bus or train season ticket. To be eligible, applicants must live within a 20km radius of the planned LEZs in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
For more information on the LEZ Support Fund and to check your eligibility, please call 0808 808 2282 or visit the Energy Saving Trust website here.
Further information on the introduction of Low Emission Zones can be found here.
Download Low Emission Zone Scotland Pocket Guide
Download Low Emission Zone Scotland Leaflet
