The final steps towards introducing a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Edinburgh this May is expected to be given the green light by councillors this week.
A report to Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday recommends proceeding with the scheme approved in January, and to submit the Final Submission to Scottish Ministers for consideration.
The recommendations follow a month-long Statutory Notice Period in February, during which 26 objections and one note of support were received. After full analysis of the objections, officers advised there is no justification for changes to the scheme, though have affirmed that work will continue apace to ensure any potential impacts from the scheme are mitigated.
Edinburgh’s city centre LEZ would apply to all motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds, with a two-year grace period and allowing certain exemptions, including for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles.
Once the LEZ is in place, vehicles must meet a minimum emissions standard to enter the zone freely, and those that don’t will be considered non-compliant and subject to penalties.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Being able to breathe clean air is a right we all deserve, and by introducing a Low Emission Zone in the city centre we want to tackle air pollution in one of the most densely-populated parts of Edinburgh.
“Our officers have carried out a great deal of planning, modelling and analysis, in line with national frameworks, to develop our proposals. They have been able to draw on this evidence in response to objections received during the Statutory Notice Period. I’m confident that the proposed scheme will deliver significant benefits to quality of life in our city.”
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “Significant work carried out to assess this scheme’s impact on carbon emissions, as well as the proposed boundaries and grace period, demonstrates that these proposals are appropriate for the city.
“The LEZ, alongside a range of ambitious projects to improve air quality, will encourage more sustainable transport and support active travel, and is key to achieving cleaner air for everyone.”
In general, objections to the scheme focused on the size and location of the boundary, the impacts of traffic displacement and the potential financial challenges of complying. Other objections included concerns around exemptions, the effects on individuals and businesses and the evidence base for the scheme.
Thursday’s report addresses objections by theme. Amongst the reasoning for proceeding with the current scheme is the significant modelling and analysis carried out under the National Modelling Framework and Options Appraisal work undertaken in accordance with the National Low Emission Framework.
This research demonstrates the rationale for the proposed boundary and the short-lived impact on traffic at its periphery. A Network Management Strategy is also being developed to counter any traffic displacement.
In response to concerns around the financial challenge of complying with the LEZ, significant support provided by the Scottish Government was highlighted.
This included funding to mitigate impacts for those most in need, in the context of Covid recovery. Some objections related to national exemptions, though the report confirms that these are prescribed in the regulations and the Council has no powers to amend them.
With regard to local exemptions, it is proposed that these are only issued on a case-by-case basis and in exceptional circumstances. It is recommended that a LEZ Local Exemption Advisory Panel (LEZ-LEAP) is established to consider requests for local time-limited exemptions.
In conclusion, the report summarises the evidence for introducing the scheme and refers to previous reporting which has been presented to Committee to support this.
Throughout the development of an LEZ for Edinburgh, consultation, engagement and scientific evidence, following national frameworks, has highlighted both why we need cleaner air and how to bring this about for Edinburgh’s requirements, while supporting the city’s Covid recovery.
A full breakdown of objections and responses is available as an appendix to the report.
Read the full report, Low Emission Zone – Objections Report and Final Submission, on the Council website.
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