Edinburgh set to ban older cars under Clean Air Zone plans
Edinburgh City Council has announced plans for a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) to be introduced in spring 2022, which would result in heavy fines for drivers of older, more polluting vehicles in the city centre. However, enforcement won’t begin until 2024.
From spring next year, diesel cars that don’t meet the Euro 6 emissions standard could be banned from driving in Edinburgh’s city centre. Generally speaking, these will be diesel cars registered before September 2015.
Petrol vehicles which don’t meet the Euro 4 emissions standard, generally those registered before January 2006, would also be banned — meaning non-compliant cars, buses and HGVs will all be charged. Motorcycles and mopeds won’t be charged under the proposals.
Those who don't comply with the proposed regulations will face a penalty charge of £60, which will be halved if paid within 30 days. Penalties will roughly double for repeat offences within any 90-day period.
For light vehicles, such as cars, the maximum fine will be £420, while the maximum fine for HGVs will be £900.
>>> Birmingham's Clean Air Zone explained
There will, however, be a two-year grace period — meaning that fines aren't expected to start being given until 2024. The decision for Edinburgh’s proposed LEZ will be made on 17 June. Current proposals suggest that Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and Mobile Enforcement Vehicles will be utilised to enforce the LEZ.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: "As we approach Clean Air Day, which aims to tackle air pollution and its harmful effects on our health and wellbeing, it’s fitting that we’re progressing our own plans to significantly improve air quality in the city.
"A great deal of analysis and monitoring has gone into the latest proposals for a Low Emission Zone in Edinburgh. This takes into account the urgent need to lower emissions for the good of our health, while remaining aware of the impact on local businesses, residents and on traffic patterns. We know from our consultation in 2019 that lowering air pollution matters to everyone, so I look forward to hearing from the public on the preferred option, if approved by committee."
Work to introduce a LEZ in Edinburgh began in 2018 in line with the Scottish Government’s commitment to implement LEZs in Scotland’s four largest cities – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee. It was originally intended that LEZs would be in place by 2020 but, due to the COVID pandemic, this date has been pushed back to 2022.
Christopher Ross on 14 June 2021
How is this LEZ defined, how do we avoid it? Will it be set up with ANR such that it hoovers up cars straying unwittingly into the zone?on 14 June 2021
Are there any concessions in existing or proposed Low Emission Zones for Classic vehicles owned by people living within or keeping their vehicles in these areas?edinburra on 14 June 2021
Just another episode in the war against the motorist in Edinburgh.barney100 on 17 June 2021
Many cities are going down this path, no worries though as the high streets are fading away who needs to go into city centres much anyway. The days of happy motoring are numbered, happily at my age it won't affect me.jchinuk on 19 June 2021
I think such zones are how people will be encouraged to move to electric vehicles. In essence, it is "you can keep your petrol or diesel car, but cannot drive it to many locations".Of course, the "Euro" classification for these areas will move up the list too.
on 19 November 2022
f*** Edinburgh just don’t pay road tax Who are they to decide . Are they gonna buy all our old cars?Vomofes on 18 July 2023
It's truly disheartening to see Edinburgh set on the path to banning older cars under their clean air zone plans. It seems like a hard pill to swallow for classic car enthusiasts and those who cannot afford to constantly update their vehicles. The implications of such a policy, while understandable in the broader context of environmental conservation, seem somewhat dismissive of the rich motoring heritage that many older cars represent. Not to mention the negative impact on businesses dealing with coilover parts, which are essential for maintaining and enhancing the performance of these vintage beauties. This approach, to me, seems a bit like trying to put a plaster on a broken leg. We ought to be thinking about more inclusive solutions that cater to the needs of all citizens, not just the ones who can afford brand new, low-emission vehicles. Let's hope Edinburgh finds a balanced way to address its pollution problem without side-lining a significant group of motor enthusiasts and hardworking citizens. The struggle is real, and a clean air zone may not be the silver bullet we need.
Edited by Vomofes on 18/07/2023 at 15:51
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