Transport Scotland has announced that Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are to be introduced across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen between February and May 2022.
Plans to implement LEZs across Scotland’s four largest cities had been paused temporarily due to the Covid-19 outbreak but work has now restarted.
According to Transport Scotland, the new indicative timeframe takes account of various legislative and regulatory steps that need to be taken by the Scottish government and local authorities prior to the introduction of LEZs.
However, the organisation caveated this, stating that due to the unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 outbreak, both now and in the future, it is not a finalised timetable for introduction. Rather, it is a commitment by all partners to introduce LEZs at the earliest juncture.
Scotland’s cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, Michael Matheson, said: “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.”
Transport Scotland said local authorities will continue to explore grace periods following introduction.
Glasgow has already introduced the first LEZ, which applies to buses only at this time.
