Edinburgh has started enforcing its Low Emission Zone, as of 1 June, 2024. We look at how this will impact local businesses.
The conditions of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) apply to businesses located inside the zone, as well as anyone visiting it.
Where is the Edinburgh Low Emission Zone?
The boundary of the zone runs from Queen Street in the north of the city centre, round to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in the east, the Meadows in the south and onwards to Shandwick Place in the West End. Signs will be installed before enforcement begins and some changes will also be made to roads, traffic signals and pedestrian crossings to improve traffic flow around the city centre. You can find a detailed map of the Low Emission Zone here.
How does it work?
The council has installed Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras which identify whether vehicles coming into the zone are compliant. Non-compliant vehicles will be fined on an increasing basis, at £60 for a first offence, increasing to a maximum of £480 for cars and light goods vehicles, or £960 for buses and heavy goods vehicles.
How will I know if my vehicle is compliant?
After FSB asked for a simple way for businesses to check whether or not their vehicles were compliant, Transport Scotland set up an online tool. As a general rule, petrol vehicles made after 2006 and diesel vehicles made after 2015 should be compliant, although it’s best to double check.
Are there any exemptions or extensions?
Blue badge holders are able to apply for an exemption. Motorcycles and mopeds are not affected by the scheme.
Is there any available support to get a compliant vehicle?
Yes. Micro businesses can apply for support through the Energy Saving Trust for the disposal of non-LEZ compliant vehicles and may qualify for extra help to purchase a purpose built cargo or electric cargo bike to support their business needs.
What are FSB doing?
We’ve been consistently lobbying the City of Edinburgh Council to ensure that the LEZ was developed and rolled out in a way that didn't adversely impact small businesses, securing support funding and pushing for better promotion outside of the city. We will be keeping a close eye on the situation and ensuring that lessons are learned as the Edinburgh LEZ is rolled out.