ABERDEEN’S new low emission zone (LEZ) is set to come into force on Saturday 1 June with motorists driving in the zone with a non-compliant vehicle set to receive fines.
In line with the actions taken by several European towns and cities, including Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, to tackle air pollution, Aberdeen will introduce a LEZ to improve the city centre’s air quality.
Careful planning, consultation and modelling was conducted by the Aberdeen City Council to decide on the optimal LEZ for balancing the impact on air quality and the impact on residents and businesses.
Introducing LEZs to Scotland is part of the Scottish Government’s initiative to tackle serious health problems, notably in children, caused by poor air quality in city centres.
Focused on Union Street and nearby, the LEZ covers 0.5% of the city centre, this being just under 1km squared and leaving 10 out of 14 of the city centre’s car parks outwith the LEZ.
The Lets Clear the Air campaign, created through a partnership with Aberdeen City Council and Getabout, started in April and provides information on the LEZ, how to know what vehicles are compliant and more.
The population can be put at risk by air pollution with some cases leading to health conditions like asthma, allergies and heart attacks.
A spokesperson for Let’s Clear the Air stated: “Now that the LEZ is operational, we strongly encourage motorists whose vehicles are not compliant to consider alternative, sustainable methods of transport or switch to cleaner vehicles where possible.
“Support remains available and I would encourage anyone who wants to know if their vehicle is compliant, or to find out more about funding, to visit www.lowemissionzones.scot.
“If that is not possible, drivers can use the resources online to plan ahead and choose alternative routes around Aberdeen.
“Clearly marked routes are available to show motorists how to?navigate their way around the city centre, which is still open for business and open to all.
“The LEZ will help make the city centre a cleaner, greener, healthier and more attractive place for everyone, with very clear health benefits for residents and visitors of all ages, as well as future generations.”
Dundee saw their LEZ implemented on 30 May, whilst Edinburgh’s is also set to come into force on 1 June and Glasgow’s was implemented a year ago.
The Scottish Government is offering £5m to open the LEZ Support Fund for 2024-25, marking the fund’s fifth year of offering cash and Travel Better credits for removing non-compliant vehicles from Scotland’s roads.
Delivered through Energy Saving Trust, it financially supports people and micro-businesses to travel more sustainably and meet air quality standards.
