Aberdeen’s controversial low emission zone has been formally introduced today, May 31, after the Scottish Government approved the city council’s plans.
However, no fines for any vehicles entering the zone that do not meet emissions criteria will be issued until 2024.
The zone covers all of Union Street, and extends from Albyn Grove in the west of the city centre, to Commerce Street in the east.
The low emission zone (LEZ) is being implemented in Aberdeen, as well as in Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh, in order to improve air quality in the four cities.
If it’s starting today, what difference will Aberdonians see on the city’s streets?
In short, nothing — the system will not be fully up and running for some time yet.
Although the zone is being officially introduced in Aberdeen today, there will be a two year grace period before anyone is fined.
Aberdeen City Council intends for the zone to “come into full effect in June 2024”.
There will not be any signs up showing drivers precisely where the boundaries of the zone will be located from today.
However, they will have to be in place before enforcement starts and fines start being issued.
It is understood these signs will not be put in place in the immediate future.
This map shows the final, approved plans compared to the initial proposals for the LEZ boundaries.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeen City Council said: “We can confirm we have ministerial approval for the Aberdeen LEZ to go ahead.
“We will continue to work on informing the public about the LEZ during the grace period over the next two years.”
The Scottish Government wanted LEZs introduced in the four cities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh by 2020, but this date was pushed back to 2022 as a result of Covid.
‘Allowing air pollution to continue unabated in our city centres is not an option’
A spokesman for Transport Scotland said the introduction of LEZs across Scotland, including the Granite City, will be vital for protecting public health as well as helping the nation meet emission reduction targets.
He said: “The Scottish Government and the four cities involved are all committed to improving air quality and protecting public health.
“Allowing air pollution to continue unabated in our city centres is not an option, and creates costs for society in other ways, including to health.
“The introduction of LEZs will ensure that all of us, but particularly the oldest, youngest and those with pre-existing medical conditions, are protected from the harmful impacts of poor air quality in our city centres.”
Support for businesses and people who need help in order to comply with the LEZ restrictions can be found here.
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