Dundee Low Emission Zone now enforced

Dundee's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) has now fully commenced after the scheme’s two-year grace period drew to a close.

From today (Thurs 30th May) vehicles entering the Zone must meet set emission standards put in place to reduce pollution levels and improve air quality.

Following the full commencement of Dundee’s LEZ, drivers of non-compliant vehicles should be aware that enforcement will now take place in the form of fixed penalty charges starting from £60, reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days.

Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Convener Cllr Heather Anderson said: “The public health benefits of the Low Emission Zone are clear. The measures taken in introducing this scheme benefit children, older people, those with existing underlying health problems, and everyone who breathes in the cleaner air.

“Since the LEZ first came into being in Dundee, at the start of the two-year grace period, we have seen improvements in air quality due to the behaviour change of those who have taken proactive measures ahead of commencement coming in.

“We want to carry this progress forward and continue the good work that has taken place.”

Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Convener Cllr Steven Rome said: “By only having vehicles within the Low Emission Zone that meet the emission standards, it will make the City Centre a more pleasant place to live, work and visit.

“The majority of vehicles that enter the zone’s area will be unaffected and the drivers of compliant vehicles will be able to carry on as they always have.

“The Low Emission Zone measures contribute to achieving broader city objectives as well as improving air quality and achieving air quality compliance for Nitrogen Dioxide, Particulate Matter 10 and Particulate Matter 2.5.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “This is an important moment for the air quality of Dundee. There is no safe level of air pollution and by restricting the access of the most polluting vehicles – we will protect the health and improve the air quality of all those visiting, working and living in Dundee City Centre.

“Low Emission Zones are rapidly expanding across Europe, with more towns and cities responding to the latest understanding of the damaging impacts of air pollution.

“To help those that need it most, the Scottish Government has provided over £16m to help people and businesses to comply with LEZs. 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.”

Gareth Brown, Chair of Healthy Air Scotland and Policy and Public Affairs Officer, Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said: “With 1 in 5 Scots developing a lung condition like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in their lifetime, for them, air pollution can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks and flare-ups.

"Children are more susceptible to air pollution as their lungs are still growing, and they also breathe faster than adults. As they grow, toxic air can stunt the growth of their lungs, making them less resilient into adulthood and placing them at greater risk of lung disease in the future.

“With air pollution cutting short over 2,700 lives a year, we want to see our cities become far healthier places, where people can walk and cycle and not forced to breathe in toxic levels of air.”

The Dundee LEZ Scheme operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year.

A national online vehicle checker has been created by Transport Scotland to check LEZ emissions standards compliance by searching a vehicle’s registration number.

More information, including an LEZ boundary map, to register details for blue badge holder exemption and frequently asked questions, can be viewed here on the Dundee City Council website.

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