Indicative timeline for Scotland’s Low Emission Zones agreed

Low Emission Zones (LEZs) to improve air quality are to be introduced across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen between February 2022 and May 2022.

Having considered the earliest possible opportunity to introduce the public health initiatives – the LEZ Leadership Group, which includes Transport Secretary Michael Matheson, Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham and representatives from Glasgow City Council, The City of Edinburgh Council, Dundee City Council, Aberdeen City Council, Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) – have agreed an indicative timeframe to introduce LEZs across Scotland’s four largest cities.

Plans to implement LEZs had been paused temporarily due to the COVID-19 outbreak but work has now restarted. This new indicative timeframe takes account of various legislative and regulatory steps which need to be taken by the Scottish Government and local authorities prior to the introduction of LEZs.

Due to the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, both now and in the future, it is not a finalised timetable for introduction, but a commitment by all partners to work as quickly as they can to introduce LEZs at the earliest juncture.

Matheson said: “The Scottish Government and members of the Low Emission Zone Leadership Group are committed to introducing LEZs across Scotland’s four biggest cities as quickly as possible. 

“LEZs are key to improving air quality, protecting public health and supporting Scotland’s wider climate change ambitions by encouraging more sustainable transport options.

“With the indicative timeline now established, planning continues at a local authority level and the Scottish Government will continue to develop the required regulations as well as providing funding to help people and businesses prepare.”

Glasgow has already introduced the first LEZ which applies to buses only at this time.