Scottish drivers face £480 fines amid new LEZ rules from Glasgow to Aberdeen

Scots motorists are being issued with stark warnings as petrol and diesel car journeys could result in hefty fines in four key cities – Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

The rolling out of new clean air and low emission zones could see drivers coughing up extortionate fees if they’re caught violating the rules. Non-compliant vehicles entering any Scottish LEZ could land drivers a hefty fine of £60.

Every subsequent breach will see this amount doubled, reaching to a cap of £480 for cars and light goods vehicles. Heavier vehicles such as minibuses, buses, coaches and HGVs may face the upper limit of £980 fines.

Edinburgh’s zone is also ready to launch on June 1, coinciding with the enforcement date for Glasgow residential properties within the area. Aberdeen’s Low Emission Zone set to act from the first day of June, while Dundee will start enforcing the rule from May 30, 2024.

A spokesperson from Glasgow City Council said: “Scottish LEZs operate by way of a penalty system, set in legislation to discourage non-compliant vehicle entry and to maximise the air quality benefits that can be delivered.”

However, there are currently two aid schemes designed to support the pricey retrofitting or replacement of vehicles, Birmingham Live reports. The Energy Saving Trust is offering households within 20km of the low emissions zones up to £3,000 towards the safe disposal of non-compliant vehicles.

Supported by Transport Scotland, the trust is also offering grants of £2,000 for sole traders and micro businesses to take their older, more pollutive vehicles off the road. Eligible businesses may then be offered an extra £1,000 towards the purchase of a purpose built cargo or electric cargo bike only.

The entry criteria for the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) will be based on the Euro emission engine classification standards, which are used both internationally and nationally. The minimum requirements are Euro 4 for petrol cars and vans – typically vehicles registered from 2006, and Euro 6 for diesel cars and vans – generally vehicles registered from September 2015.

This extends to Euro 6 for petrol and diesel taxis and private hire vehicles, as per standard licence conditions, as outlined in the Taxi Emission Standards Policy (2021), and Euro VI for buses, coaches and HGVs – usually vehicles registered from January 2013.

The Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) must be paid within 28 days from the date it was issued. If it is not paid within this period, a charge certificate will be issued, increasing the PCN penalty charge by 50%.

If the increased charge is not paid within 14 days, the charge certificate and PCNs can be recovered as an enforceable debt.

Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our newsletter here.