FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and the world’s largest express transportation company, has introduced a fleet of seven e-cargo bikes to work alongside its vehicle pick-up and delivery fleet in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
As the company sets out to reduce emissions from its road transportation operations, the introduction of cargo bikes in urban centres is one way FedEx is seeking to make an immediate impact on carbon emissions.
FedEx successfully introduced e-cargo bikes to its permanent operations in London, where they have replaced diesel vehicles for serving emissions restricted zones. Edinburgh and Glasgow – cities with a strong cycling culture – become the next UK cities to welcome this method of zero emissions delivery.
Alun Cornish, FedEx operations managing director in Europe, said: “Electric cargo bikes will fulfill a sustainable last-mile delivery solution for customers in and round Edinburgh and Glasgow City Centres.
“Earlier FedEx pilots in the cities made the case for transitioning to two wheels, proving an effective alternative to vans thanks to their ability to take shorter, faster routes. We see real potential for e-cargo bikes to complement and work alongside our motorised vehicle fleet as we strive to make zero-emissions deliveries our standard.”
FedEx aims to achieve carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040 with electrification of its pick-up and delivery vehicles being a major area of investment.
In March 2021, FedEx announced its global target for 50% of all newly procured vehicles to be electric by 2025 rising to 100% of all new purchases by 2030.
The roll out of e-cargo bikes is tipped to continue in UK cities beyond Edinburgh and Glasgow, alongside the transition to fully electric vehicles. The sustainability benefits of delivering goods by e-cargo bike include not only reduced carbon emissions but also reduced congestion and noise.
Bicycle couriers can also make use of existing road infrastructure, such as bicycle and bus lanes, and are able to find kerbside parking more easily than vans – particularly in hard to access areas.
The implementation of e-cargo bikes to operations in Edinburgh and Glasgow promotes the livability of dense urban areas as demand for deliveries continues to rise alongside the need to reduce the environmental impacts of transportation.
Edinburgh has today been awarded Living Wage City status as the UK marks Living Wage week (15 – 19th November), an annual celebration of the real Living Wage.
The accreditation has been awarded by Living Wage Scotland in recognition of the Scottish Capital’s ambition to deliver on its new Edinburgh Living Wage City action plan and double the number of Living Wage accredited businesses to over 900 across the city over the next few years.
Around 450 Edinburgh businesses are already committed to voluntarily paying their staff the Living Wage, paying a minimum hourly wage of £9.90 per hour. This new Living Wage rate was announced yesterday (Monday 15 November) as part of Living Wage Week 2021.
Now through the action plan – developed by the Edinburgh Living Wage Action Group, a collaboration of employers, public sector bodies, trade unions, social enterprises, and business organisations, supported by key city anchor institutions including the City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Partnership – the aim is to see at least 500 new accredited businesses.
It is expected that this will mean up to 40,000 workers in Edinburgh are protected by Living Wage commitments from their employers. Of those, at least 10,000 will be workers who receive a direct pay increase as a result of this commitment.
The commitment to becoming a Living Wage City arises from the calls to action made by the Edinburgh Poverty Commission report. To pay a fair wage is one key aspect of eradicating poverty across the Capital.
Last year, the City of Edinburgh Council became the first UK local authority to commit to ending poverty by a specific date – by 2030. Tackling poverty in Edinburgh remains one of the Council’s key priorities to making sure everyone can take advantage of everything the Capital has to offer and is paid a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.
The City of Edinburgh Council’s Fair Work Convener and Co-Chair of the Edinburgh Living Wage City Action Group, Councillor Kate Campbell, said:“All partners in the Edinburgh Living Wage City Action Group have put so much work into getting to this point.
“We are all incredibly proud that we can call our Capital an official Living Wage City. We now need to continue that work so that we sign up 100 new accredited businesses every year for the next five years. That’s double the current number of businesses signing up.
“Being an accredited living wage employer is about so much more than paying a Living Wage. It’s about embedding a culture of Fair Work and giving staff financial security, showing them that they’re truly valued for the contribution they make. And the benefits for employers include being able to keep and attract skilled staff – something many businesses are struggling with right now.
“So, we’re asking all businesses and organisations across the city to join us. Together, we can make our city fairer and make sure everyone shares in our economic recovery.”
The City of Edinburgh Council’s Fair Work Vice Convener, Councillor Mandy Watt, said:“In-work poverty needs to end – and Edinburgh is taking a welcome step towards that today by becoming a real Living Wage City. Fair pay, fair hours and respect at work should be something that all workers can expect from their job.
“We’re hoping that a huge number of Edinburgh employers share our ambition and will raise wages to the level of the real Living Wage, which was announced yesterday (15 November). Once that’s done, they can move forward to full accreditation and show everybody that they’re helping to end poverty in our city.”
The Scottish Government’s Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work Richard Lochhead said:“I am pleased to see Edinburgh achieve the significant milestone of becoming a Living Wage City.
“There is increasing evidence demonstrating the benefits of Fair Work to both workers and business and by promoting the real Living Wage, the Edinburgh Action Group recognises the importance that fair pay has on the local economy.
“I congratulate the Action Group and all the 2employers in Edinburgh that have played a part in this important achievement.
Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine, CEO at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “We are very proud to part of a business community that recognises the importance of providing the Living Wage to their staff, and what an impact this has on both their income and wellbeing.
“At Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, happy people always means happy animals, and through our commitment to the living wage, we are reducing financial pressures that our staff might otherwise face, ensuring the highest standard of care for our dogs and cats.
Peter Kelly, Director of The Poverty Alliance (above) said: “Today’s announcement that Edinburgh has been awarded ‘Making Living Wage Places’ recognition sends a strong signal of the determination to end low pay and loosen the grip of in-work poverty for workers and their families in Scotland’s capital city.
“The commitment by this alliance of employers to the people of Edinburgh is very important, and we look forward to working with them on making Edinburgh a Living Wage city. We want to see towns and cities in Scotland come together to tackle in-work poverty, and this is a significant step on that journey.”
Christine McCaig, Projects Coordinator and Living Wage Scotland said:“This Living Wage Week, we are delighted to announce the launch of an ambitious action plan to ‘Make Edinburgh a Living Wage City’. There are now more than 2400 accredited Living Wage employers in Scotland, over 450 of which are based in Edinburgh, who together want to ensure workers have what they need to thrive.
“The impact of the real Living Wage in tackling in-work poverty is strengthened by a collective effort from local employers, anchor institutions, key stakeholders and communities working together. We hope to see many more employers in Edinburgh become accredited to drive the vision of Making Edinburgh a Living Wage City.”
The real Living Wage rate this year has largely been driven by sharply rising fuel and rent costs. The real Living Wage is different to the Government minimum wage for over 23s, called the ‘National Living Wage’ (NLW).
While the real Living Wage is independently calculated based on living costs and is paid by employers voluntarily, the government’s NLW is based on a percentage of median earnings, and all employers are required to pay it.
In Scotland, more than 15% of all jobs pay less than the real Living Wage – around 350,000 jobs.
Since 2011 the Living Wage movement has delivered a pay rise to over 45,000 people in Scotland and put over £240 million extra into the pockets of low paid Scottish workers.
A new study is set to highlight the importance of hedgerows in protecting Edinburgh’s residents from rising levels of traffic pollution.
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) will assess contaminant levels in the roadside hedgerows of the capital where, according to the latest figures, 3.7 per cent of deaths in adults over 25 are attributable to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution.
Hedges provide a ground-level barrier where traffic-related emissions are greater and more harmful to residents, pedestrians, and especially children.
The study, which will be led Dr Luis Novo, an SRUC Challenge Research Fellow, will compare the effectiveness of different hedge species as barriers to pollutants.
It is being kickstarted by a Small Research Grant of nearly £5,000 from the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).
Dr Novo said: “Road traffic contamination is a major concern in urban areas, where high pollutant concentrations and population converge. In this context, green infrastructure is receiving increasing attention for the broad array of ecosystem services it provides in urban settings, including the abatement of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution.
“This preliminary survey will look into PM2.5 and heavy metals concentrations in different hedge species and locations within the capital. The results will help us understand how factors like traffic volume, roadside distance, meteorology, and plant traits influence the hedges’ pollution abatement capacity.
“In addition to providing valuable information to authorities, practitioners, and the general public, this grant will also lay the foundations for a larger, more detailed study across the main Scottish urban centres.”
Professor Emerita Anne Anderson OBE FRSE, Chair of the RSE Research Awards Committee, Royal Society of Edinburgh, said: “The RSE Research Awards programme is vital for sustaining the knowledge and talent pipeline in our vibrant research and innovation sector across the length and breadth of Scotland.
“Funding enables awardees to deepen their research into significant global challenges, to support career development, and to make significant benefits to society and the economy. The RSE sends its congratulations to each of the award winners and wishes them good fortune in the conduct and outcomes of their research.”
The City ofEdinburgh Council is calling on others to follow its lead and sign up to the newly launched national Civic Charter on Climate.
Edinburgh was the first – and is so far still the only – Council in Scotland to put its name to the document, which emerged from the painstaking deliberations of the national Climate Assembly.
The Civic Charter is addressed to the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament, and to Scottish society as a whole. It stresses the need for urgent changes to the way we live, what we eat and grow, and how we travel and work in the future to help Scotland tackle climate change. The Scottish Government will formally respond to the recommendations of the Climate Assembly later this year.
Elected members in the Capital voted to sign up following a motion to Full Council by Environment Convener and Vice Convener Councillors Lesley Macinnes and Karen Doran in September, which also highlighted that Councils will require additional resources if the Scottish Government adopts all the charter’s recommendations.
Councillor Macinnes said:“Climate change is a real and urgent issue that we simply cannot ignore. Last month we were very proud to become the first – and so far only – Scottish local authority to put our name to this hugely important document. Doing so sends a clear signal to those who look to us as a Capital city that we and our partners are prepared to take bold action and find the right solutions in the face of the climate change emergency.
“We sincerely hope other Councils and organisations right across the country will now follow suit and add their voices to the national call for action and change to tackle the climate crisis in an effective and fair way.”
Councillor Doran said:“As Scotland’s Capital and economic centre, we want to make sure that a cleaner, greener and fairer future for everyone is at the heart of our plans to rebuild a strong economy after Covid-19.
“Achieving net zero will take a concerted, citywide effort to cut emissions and as a country, we need a similar collective mindset and approach. This Civic Charter will help lay the foundations for a national strategy for Scotland to deliver on its climate change commitments.”
Scotland’s Climate Assembly was set up to find common ground on how Scotland can tackle the climate emergency in a fair and effective way.
Over the course of seven weeks, 100 randomly selected, but demographically representative members considered evidence from three areas: diet, land use and lifestyle; homes and communities; and travel and work.
From this members identified 16 goals for reducing climate impacts which make up the Civic Charter. These covered a broad range of issues, including household heating, emissions, land use, taxation and the economy. The Climate Assembly was also the first to include young Scots, through a partnership with the Children’s Parliament.
People are urged to support Scotland’s Climate Assembly on social media using the hashtag #SignForScotland – and watch their animated 2-minute explainer video for more information.
The brand new E10 fuel has been introduced in the UK, designed to cut CO2 emissions by quite a considerable amount, however, it still won’t affect whether cars have to pay an emissions tax.
Recently, Google Maps introduced notifications to drivers hat they’re about to enter a low-emission zone that could incur a hefty fine.
Several major cities in the UK have schemes in place, but where the zones begin is often unclear – and can catch drivers out. Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com explains what they are, where they are, and how you can avoid an accidental fine.
What are Low Emission Zones (LEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ)?
A Low Emission Zone (LEZ), or Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is put in place with the aim of reducing pollution levels and to improve air quality in the area – usually towns and cities.
In most cases, you’ll only pay to travel through these zones if your vehicle doesn’t meet minimum emissions standards. If you don’t pay the fee, you may have to pay a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Why do we have Low Emission Zones (LEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ)?
The latest IPCC report has been named a ‘code red for humanity’, meaning our attempts to tackle CO2 emissions are vital in order to keep the rise in global temperatures well below 1.5C in the next century.
The report shows that humanity emits approximately 40 billion tonnes of CO2 every year.
With such high numbers, the IPCC report authors believe we are destined to hit a global temperature increase of 1.5C by 2040 if emissions aren’t slashed in upcoming years, highlighting the importance of measures such as Low Emission Zones.
Will my vehicle trigger a fine?
Most fees apply to diesels built before September 2015. Usually these vehicles don’t meet emissions standards and in some cases the fees don’t apply to petrol cars built after January 2006.
Which cities are creating Low Emission Zones?
Birmingham, London, Oxford, Bristol and Scotland are all planning to have Low Emission Zones (LEZ) or Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in the near future.
Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone
On 1 June 2021, Birmingham launched its Clean Air Zone. It’ll operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can enter the zone with no charge if your vehicle is one of the following:
A moped or a motorcycle
A diesel vehicle minimum standard Euro 6A
A petrol vehicle minimum standard Euro 4
A vehicle with zero emissions (electric, hydrogen)
Cars that don’t meet emissions standards will pay £8 per day.
Residents with a car registered within the CAZ will be exempt from the charge for two years.
Support available:
The Birmingham local authority has support available to help people adjust to the CAZ. For example, a £1,000 mobility credit or £2000 scrappage scheme.
London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is in central London within the same area of the congestion charge zone and it covers all vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards.
In 2020, they announced that the ULEZ would extend to create a single larger zone bounded by the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205).
The charge:
If your vehicle doesn’t meet the emissions standards, then you’ll receive a daily fee. This can be up to £200 for some vehicles.
Is my vehicle exempt?
Check if your vehicle meets emissions standards on the Transport for London website here.
Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone
Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone will now run in summer this year. The zone will cover five streets in the centre of Oxford to begin with and a larger Green Zone will expand and cover the rest of the city centre.
You can enter the zone with no charge if your vehicle is one of the following:
A cars that emits 50 g of CO2/km and can drive 70 miles without any emissions
A van that emits less than 75 g of CO2/km and can drive 10 miles without any emissions
Motorcycles and mopeds that don’t emit any CO2
The charge:
Vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards will face a charge of £10 between the hours of 7am and 7pm.
There’ll be a discount for blue badge holders until December 2024.
Oxford residents will receive a 90% discount until 2030.
Bristol’s Clean Air Zone
According to Bristol.gov.uk, 71% of vehicles in Bristol are already compliant and so only a minority of vehicles driving in the CAZ could be charged. The scheme implemented in Bristol is exactly the same as the one in Birmingham, which means you can use the tool here to check your vehicle’s registration.
You can enter the zone with no charge if your vehicle is one of the following:
A moped or a motorcycle
A diesel vehicle minimum standard Euro 6A
A petrol vehicle minimum standard Euro 4
A vehicle with zero emissions (electric, hydrogen)
A low emissions vehicle
The charges:
Non-compliant vehicles would only be charged once in each 24-hour period, and they would apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Private petrol cars: £9 per day
Private diesel cars: £9 per day
Taxis: £9 per day
LGVs: £9 per day
HGVs: £100 per day
Buses: £100 per day
Coaches: £100 per day
Scotland’s Low Emission Zones
LEZs were proposed for Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow but these plans have been delayed due to coronavirus. All being well, the zones should go ahead between February and May 2022.
Edinburgh’s plans
The Edinburgh LEZ will apply to the city centre for all vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards.
Glasgow’s plans
Glasgow introduced a LEZ in 2018, but it only applies to local service buses. In 2022 it’ll apply to all vehicles entering the zone that don’t meet emissions standards.
Aberdeen’s plans
Currently Aberdeen are still consulting the public on their Low Emission Zone, but more progress will be made this year.
Dundee’s plans
Dundee’s low emission zone should be implemented between February and May 2022. It will apply to all vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards.
Worried about getting an accidental fine for driving into a low emission zone? Alex Kindred, car insurance expert at Confused.com has provided these three tips for motorists to ensure they don’t get a hefty bill in the post:
Upgrade to a low-emissions vehicle using a manufacturer scrappage scheme to help with the cost
“Upgrading to a newer vehicle that meets the standards could mean opting for an electric vehicle. The government no longer runs an official scrappage scheme to encourage drivers to upgrade to a low-emission vehicle, but many car manufacturers do, including Citroen, Dacia, Hyundai, Kia, Renault and Toyota.
Consider retrofitting your current vehicle, but this can be costly
“Some older vehicles may be able to be retrofitted with emissions reduction technology such as selective catalytic reduction (which reduces NOx emissions) or even converting the vehicle to electric power.
“But any retrofitting would have to be approved. If you’re able to show a booking with a CVRAS-approved fitter or an approved retrofit solution, you get a three-month grace period and might not have to pay the LEZ driving charge if driving in the zone
Use Google Maps as your SatNav
“Google Maps will now notify drivers that they’re about to enter a low-emission zone that could incur a hefty fine. So if you’re driving in one of the areas that has emission zones in place, it’s worth having this installed and working to alert you if you’re close to a zone.“
If you are lucky enough to live in Scotland’s capital city, then you are completely spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out. From Michelin starred fine dining and contemporary cuisine through to good old fashioned pub grub, there are many delicious restaurants just waiting to be discovered.
As Scotland’s tourism capital, Edinburgh is a bustling metropolis of different cultures and that’s reflected in its restaurants with every style of food imaginable found on the city’s menus, including a huge array of tempting fish dishes.
As part of its mission to inspire the nation to eat more seafood, Love Seafood has rounded up some of the best Edinburgh restaurants where locals can tuck into tempting white fish which will have you coming back for more:
Spend the day like a tourist and soak up the history and heritage of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and then enjoy a delicious seafood meal at the White Horse Oyster and Seafood Bar which happens to be located in the oldest inn on the Royal Mile.
The restaurant’s small plates are cooked to perfection including the monkfish satay served with sides of seaweed slaw and straw fries which makes for the ultimate combo.
If fish and chips are your thing then you have to try the Fishmarket in Newhaven. With roots dating back to the 18th century, The Fishmarket offers up some of the finest fish and chips on the east coast.
No ordinary chippy, the family run business serves fish and chips with flare and is renowned for a gourmet cooked-to-order experience, using only the freshest local catch. Crispy haddock served in the takeaway’s signature batter has kept this eatery a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike. If eating on the go isn’t your thing, give their adjoining restaurant a try.
In the popular shore area of Leith, Teuchters Landing is renowned for its great food, whisky hoopla and large outdoor terrace. Serving comfort food at its finest, this relaxed pub is known for its welcoming atmosphere and range of excellent seafood dishes.
Alongside standard plates are a range of dishes served in mugs, including two very Scottish options made using delicious smoked haddock – Cullen Skink (creamy smoked haddock soup) and Kedgeree (curried smoked haddock risotto). Can’t decide which to try? Why not have a small mug of each.
Sandwiched between Edinburgh’s two most prominent streets, Princes Street and George Street, The Mussel Inn is a true hidden gem.
An award-winning establishment, this restaurant is the perfect place to experiment with new seafood dishes. Alongside their epic selection of mussels, we’d also recommend the whitebait served with roasted red pepper and garlic dip and seabass served with a chorizo and butter bean cassoulet.
Booking in advance is recommended as this restaurant is only open Thursday – Sunday and we don’t want you to be disappointed.
If far-away flavours are your thing then look no further than Ondine in Edinburgh’s old town. Famed for its strong sea to plate ethos, Ondine is one of the city’s most famous seafood restaurants.
Try the classic fish soup enhanced with North African flavours of pungent saffron and oranges and a Harissa based Rouille or the spiced monkfish with Bhata aubergine which will take your taste sensations to a whole new level.
So if you’re inspired by some of these delicious sounding dishes then why not treat yourself to a fish feast at one of these fabulous restaurants on your doorstep.
More than 4000 people have told the city council what they think of proposals to introduce a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Edinburgh, with less than two weeks left to take part in the consultation.
CEC is seeking people’s views on proposals for an LEZ in Edinburgh’s city centre, which would require all motor vehicles, other than mopeds and motorcycles (and exempted vehicles), to meet minimum emissions standards to enter the zone freely. The council intends to introduce the LEZ by spring 2022, with a two-year grace period before enforcement begins, to help people adjust to the changes.
People have until 20 September to take part in the consultation asking about travel habits and for responses to the scheme, including the city centre boundary, the two-year grace period and exemptions. As of Thursday (9 September), 4025 people had already responded.
To help you have your say on the proposals, the council has put together some key facts about the LEZ (below).
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “It’s great that so many people have already taken the time to share their views on our proposals. This is a change that could affect anyone coming into the city centre, as well as all those that live here, so I would encourage as many people as possible to take part before the consultation closes.
“It’s really important that people are able to make informed responses to the consultation, which is why we’ve gathered together some key facts about the scheme, and we hope these will dispel some of the myths about how it would operate.
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “People have already told us how important clean air is to them, and our proposals aim to improve air quality while also supporting all those who live and work here to adjust to the changes.
“By reducing the most polluting vehicles in the city, alongside other projects to reduce congestion and facilitate travel by foot, bike or wheel, we could create a safer, cleaner and healthier city.”
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland said: “Low Emission Zones are a vital step towards improving Scotland’s air quality and people’s lung health.
“Air pollution causes as many as 2000 premature deaths in Scotland every year so it is crucial that we take steps to reduce the levels we are exposed to, especially in our busy cities.
“We encourage everyone to take a moment and have their say to help ensure the Edinburgh LEZ plan is robust and will help to create a world where everyone can breathe clean air with healthy lungs.”
Feedback to the consultation will help inform a finalised LEZ plan, to be brought back to the Transport and Environment Committee in the autumn, before the statutory process for introducing the scheme begins.
In 2019 we carried out a consultation on initial proposals for LEZs in Edinburgh, with responses showing that cleaner air is important to everyone.
LEZ: Key facts
Why are we introducing an LEZ?
We want to reduce air pollution, for which road traffic is the main source. By limiting the most polluting vehicles in the LEZ we want to create cleaner air and improve people’s health in this densely populated part of the city.
Introducing the LEZ will significantly improve air quality, reducing traffic related (NO2 – nitrogen dioxide) emissions in the city centre by 55% – equivalent to 25-30 tonnes per year, when compared to 2019 levels.
Will this negatively impact those who need to drive in the city?
We want to make sure that those who need to drive into the city still can, so blue badge holders and emergency vehicles will be amongst those exempt from the restrictions.
Only the most polluting vehicles will be affected – we expect the majority of drivers not to be affected by the changes.
By the time enforcement begins in 2024 only diesel cars less than nine years old and petrol cars less than 18 years old will be able to drive in the zone.
Why are we proposing a boundary that only covers the city centre and not the whole city?
An evidence-led approach was taken when appraising options for an LEZ, adhering to the National Low Emission Framework and based on detailed traffic and air quality modelling and data. Each option was assessed against a series of principles and objectives including the reduction of harmful NO2 and greenhouse gas emissions and minimising the displacement of traffic as a result of the LEZ.
This work suggested a citywide boundary would have a limited impact, with commercial fleet already improving in emissions standards. In 2020, Edinburgh traffic surveys showed Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) were already 76-95% compliant, while Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs), or vans, had increased in compliance to 48% from 7% in 2016.
Over 60% of bus and coach fleet here (excluding Lothian Buses) was compliant in February 2020 and Lothian Buses are already on the road to reaching full compliance with the LEZ requirements by the end of 2021.
It is anticipated that the effects of vehicles complying with a city centre boundary will filter out to the wider city, with all buses and taxis becoming compliant with LEZ rules covering the whole city. According to modelling by SEPA, for areas that are not in the LEZ, it is predicted that harmful Nitrogen Oxides emissions from traffic sources will decline by 15% when compared to 2019 levels.
Will an LEZ generate money for the Council but disproportionately affect low income households?
LEZs improve public health and help to save money, supporting the NHS to reduce health inequalities. By allowing a two-year grace period we want to give people time to prepare for the changes before 2024.
Scotland’s LEZs will issue fines to the most polluting vehicles only and are not designed to generate income. The Scottish LEZs are not designed in the same way as the Clean Air Zones in other parts of the UK which essentially set a fee for entering in a non-compliant vehicle. The Edinburgh LEZ will issue fines for non-compliance set at rates which will discourage repeat contraventions.
Is this a Council strategy or something encouraged by the Scottish Government?
We have been working to introduce an LEZ in Edinburgh since 2018 in line with the Scottish Government’s commitment to implement LEZs in Scotland’s four largest cities – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee – to tackle air pollution and protect public health.
Our own City Mobility Plan – Edinburgh’s ten-year-transport strategy – commits to developing an LEZ alongside several other measures to tackle congestion, support cleaner air and support the move towards low emission transport. These include the Workplace Parking Levy (subject to consultation), the completion of the tram line to Newhaven and expansion of the active travel network.
Are you planning to increase electric vehicle charging infrastructure to help people comply with the LEZ?
Although you don’t have to have an electric vehicle to drive in the LEZ (newer petrol and diesel vehicles will still be allowed), the Council is working to develop electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the city to help facilitate these types of vehicles.
We’ve been awarded £2.2m of funding from Transport Scotland through the Switched-On Towns and Cities Fund for installing on street chargers. A total of 66 of these chargers will be put in across the city as part of the first phase of implementation. This is expected to be completed by 31 March 2022.
There are already publicly accessible electric vehicle chargers located around the city. Their locations can be found on the Charge Place Scotland website.
The world’s most entertaining whisky club honours its members in style with events and tastings across the UK for their annual September Gathering.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) celebrates its annual September Gathering by showcasing a range of whisky tasting events across its signature UK venues.
Throughout the month the Society is hosting a series of events for members and non-members, with one exciting activation every weekend across each of their four UK locations; Glasgow, London, Edinburgh Queen Street, and The Vaults, Leith.
The Gathering 2021 launched at The Vaults on Friday (4 September) and ends with a virtual tasting on Thursday, 30 September.
As part of the Gathering, the Society has partnered with Linn Products, creators of some of the world’s finest music systems.
Founded in Glasgow in 1973, Linn goes to extremes to pursue musical perfection and designs and manufactures premium music systems that bring consumers closer to the music that they love.
The partnership will feature Linn Lounges at Society’s London and Glasgow venues, offering both members and non-members the opportunity to taste whisky whilst enjoying music from some of the worlds most decorated bands.
Other key events in this year’s programme include The Gathering’s take over at Glasgow’s WEST Brewery, which includes a three-course dinner and a five-dram tasting event hosted by Master Ambassador, John McCheyne and, a spectacular festival of whisky in Edinburgh’s Queen Street Gardens, featuring dram bars, culinary delights from local producers and a live DJ performance from long-standing BBC radio presenter, Vic Galloway.
Helen Stewart, Head of Marketing and Membership at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said:“For this year’s Gathering we have taken advantage of our four stunning Members’ Rooms to celebrate the love of whisky with our members.
“The 2021 Gathering line-up features a wealth of exciting events, which encourages our members to share their passion for whisky and offers the chance for new guests to explore the Society’s flavour profiles and what our Members’ Rooms have to offer.
“From a colourful festival of music and whisky to dram tastings and Society suppers, each occasion is incredibly unique and this year we look forward to welcoming our members and their guests to this annual celebration of our whisky community.”
For members ‘afar’ there will also be an immersive programme of home entertainment and virtual tastings, to bring ‘the spirit of The Vaults’ to members, no matter where they are.
Joe Rodger, Linn International Brand Manager, added: “The parallels between good whisky and good music run more than skin deep. Music is the soundtrack to the best times of our lives, and when it’s done right, we savour the difference.
“We are both proud and excited to be partnering with the SMWS. The meticulous focus on quality and provenance of Scotch whisky aligns beautifully with our own mission; we know our music systems are in good company, alongside whisky, as Scotland’s finest exports.”
4th September – The Gathering in the Courtyard. Members had the opportunity to purchase a ticket for a tasting session throughout the day. These included a rum tasting with Society ambassador Olaf Meier and an in-depth tasting session featuring this year’s Gathering exclusive releases hosted by The Vault’s own Dean M.
Edinburgh, Queen Street – 11th September:
11th September – Gathering in the Gardens. For an extra £20, members will be able to take part in a signature one hour Gathering tasting masterclass, taking place at 3.30 pm and 7.00 pm.
London, Greville Street – 17th September – 18th September
17th September and 18th September – Greville Street: Linn Lounge – Fleetwood Mac Whisky and Music Experience.
Glasgow, Bath Street – 24th – 25th September
22nd September – Bath Street: Linn Lounge – Led Zeppelin Whisky and Music Experience.
25th September – The Gathering goes West.
29th September – Bath Street: Linn Lounge – Pink Floyd Whisky and Music Experience.
For more information about The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Membership click here.
Police Scotland has issued a warning to people not to shine LASER lights at aircraft following a number of recent incidents in the Edinburgh area.
In the last six to eight weeks, there have been four incidents reported to police where LASER lights have been shone into aircraft attempting to land in Edinburgh area.
In one incident last month, the pilot of an air ambulance transferring a seriously-ill patient to hospital in Edinburgh had to abandon the landing after a LASER light was shone into the cockpit for 30 seconds.
After trying to land a second time, and being targeted again, the pilot had no option but to divert his helicopter to Edinburgh Airport. Enquiries into this incident are continuing.
Inspector Graeme Rankin, of Police Scotland’s Aviation Safety Unit, said: “This was an incredibly reckless and dangerous act which could have resulted in the injury of a pilot who was trying to fly a helicopter with a sick patient on board.
“Not only is this clearly illegal, with the possibility of a custodial sentence and/or an unlimited fine, it is exceptionally dangerous. Pilots can become temporarily blind at the most critical part of the flight while they are taking off and landing an aircraft which could have several hundred people on board.
“The consequences do not bear thinking about and we are determined to stop people from carrying out such obviously dangerous acts.
“We will do everything possible to track down, arrest and bring before the courts anyone who does this, but we are asking for the public’s help. If you see anyone shining a LASER light at an aircraft, you should call 999 immediately and report it to the police.”
Anyone who has any information about these, or any other incidents of a similar nature, is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 or report it anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Recommendations for the reform of Edinburgh’s Transport Arm’s Length External Organisations (ALEOs) would deliver a more efficient, better integrated public transport offering while retaining the identities of the Capital’s much-loved transport companies, according to a new report.
Reform of Transport Arm’s Length External Organisations, to be considered by the council’s Transport and Environment Committee on Thursday (19 August), proposes reconstituting the Lothian Buses legal entity to allow the management of all Council-owned public transport modes in the city, while retaining the brands and operational services of each of the transport companies.
While the changes wouldn’t result in any immediate changes for passengers or front-line staff, they would lead to improvements through easier ticket purchasing, integrated routes and customer services plus better collaboration and less competition between companies, as well as efficiencies for the business.
Proposals have been informed by a working group formed of Council officers and Non-Executive Director representatives from each of the Transport ALEOs (Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Trams and Transport for Edinburgh).
They’ve been working to a set of guiding and transition principles, which include creating a customer focused unified public transport approach through service integration, route optimisation and fare ticketing optimisation.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “The reform of our Transport ALEOs offers the chance to significantly enhance and streamline our public transport offering to the benefit of the public. These changes would result in integrated ticketing and routing and the opportunity to expand into new transport modes , amongst other improvements.
“Of course, we know how important the Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams brands are to the people of Edinburgh, demonstrated by their consistently high customer satisfaction ratings, and we’ve no plans to change that. Any restructuring behind-the-scenes will only lead to a better experience when using the services we all know and love.”
Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “The last year and a half has been extremely challenging for our public transport providers. Our plans for their future aim to support their continued recovery, delivering efficiency savings which can be reinvested in the services.
“We really value the public transport staff who’ve made every effort during this time to serve the city too, and we would be working closely with boards, management and trade unions to support a smooth transition to a new structure.”
A report to Policy and Sustainability Committee in July 2020 set out arrangements for the management of the Council’s Transport ALEOs, highlighting challenges and setting out objectives for future public transport provision.
As well as supporting public transport integration, a reformed structure could respond to new opportunities as they arise and facilitate mobility across the city and region. ALEO reform also aligns with Edinburgh’s City Mobility Plan, which outlines greater integration in areas like pricing, ticketing and routing, as well as expansion of the rapid transit system and a bus network review.
In addition, the commercial sustainability of any new arrangement is considered crucial, particularly given the likely recovery period for public transport in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Efficiency savings as a result of reform are particularly important.
If the proposed Transport ALEO is approved, the Council would maintain formal political oversight through the existing committee structure.
You can watch discussion of the report by Transport and Environment Committee live from 10am on Thursday, 19 August via webcast.
I remember there has been opposition to this in the past. Back in 2016 concerns were raised that Lothian Buses profits would be used to plug the black hole that was Edinburgh Trams finances, to the detriment of the popular and efficient bus company. Changed days? We’ll see how the Capital Coalition ‘fares’ next week – Ed.
