Dundee's low emission zone officially goes live

The system has already been in place for two years - but this will be the first time fines are issued to drivers who don't comply.

Author: Kara ConwayPublished 30th May 2024

Dundee has become the second Scottish city to enforce its low emissions zone (LEZ).

The LEZ scheme aims to cut emissions and pollution in the City of Discovery by stopping vehicles that don't meet minimum emission standards from entering.

The system has already been in place for two years - but this will be the first time fines are issued to drivers who don't comply.

Edinburgh and Aberdeen's LEZ schemes go live on 1st June, while Glasgow's has already been in operation for a year.

LEZ's explained

An LEZ is an area where only certain vehicles are allowed to enter based on their emissions standards.

Not all vehicles will be affected by the zone and the majority of drivers can still access the city centre.

However, owners of vehicles that breach the standards will receive a fine for entering the zone.

Which vehicles will be impacted?

Drivers of older petrol vehicles registered before 2006 and diesel ones registered before September 2015 risk facing fines.

Buses, coaches and HGVs registered from 2013 are permitted to enter the city centre.

Motorcycles and mopeds are exempt from the scheme so will not be affected.

Transport Scotland has developed a vehicle checker so you can ensure you comply with LEZ rules.

How much are the fines?

The initial penalty charge for driving a non-complaint vehicle in an LEZ zone is £60, but this will be reduced by 50% to £30 if it is paid within 14 days.

However, the penalty amount doubles each time a breach of the rules is detected in the same LEZ.

The fee is capped at £480 for cars and light good vehicles.

For buses and HGVs this rises to £960.

If no further breaches of the rules are detected in the 90 days after a violation, the penalty is reset and goes back down to £60.

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