More than one million vehicles could soon be at risk of major fines when driving in popular areas across Scotland as new Low Emission Zones (LEZ) come into effect.
The LEZ schemes launching across the country will see drivers with higher polluting vehicles get heavily fined for entering from the end of May and the beginning of June.
The new measures are designed to improve air quality and reduce harmful air pollution across Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Under the rules, if a vehicle does not meet the specified emission standards and drivers travel through the zone they could face a £60 fine, which can be slashed by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days.
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Low Emission Zones in Scotland will begin charging from June 1
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With only a few weeks left until the rules come into play, drivers and key industry players in Scotland have expressed their fury.
A spokesperson for the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce said: “People in Aberdeen are already taking time to adjust to the new bus gates around Union Street.
“It would make sense to review the impact of these measures first, before further crackdowns on motorists are enforced.”
Meanwhile, taking to social media, one motorist claimed the city is “on its knees” adding that LEZ is “not fit for purpose and needs to go”.
Data suggests that 1,078,580 vehicles will be at risk of fines if they enter the zones, The Sun reported.
Already, roughly £3.5million in fines have been issued in Glasgow since the launch of LEZ scheme last year.
Alison Henderson, chief executive of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, added that the group is “concerned” about the impact the zone will have on businesses in Glasgow.
This is particularly important given the current circumstances where hospitality and high street businesses are finding “times tough”, Henderson remarked.
A spokesman for Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said: “The hospitality industry has been through an extraordinarily difficult time and is still suffering and fragile in its recovery, and the LEZ must not create additional difficulties.”
To be LEZ compliant, petrol cars and vans must adhere to Euro 4 emissions, while Euro 6 is the standard for diesel cars and vans and Euro VI applies to buses, coaches and HGVs.
Although it comes into force in June, Blue Badge holders are exempt from all Scottish LEZs.
They are reminded to register their details with the exemption system on the national website so that the vehicle they are travelling in can access all Low Emission Zones in Scotland.
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To be LEZ compliant, petrol cars and vans must adhere to Euro 4 emissions
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As part of the rollout of the LEZ schemes, the Government will be hoping more drivers switch to an electric vehicle.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
