environment – Page 5 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Clean air success: penalty charges down 48% in Edinburgh since LEZ introduction

UK motorists face £12 million in monthly clean air and low emission zone penalties

Over £627 million has been generated by Clean Air Zones (CAZ) and Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in the UK
On average 200,000 fines are issued to motorists driving through these zones each month
Almost 8 million penalty charge notices (PCNs) have been issued in London since 2019
On average, UK cities have seen a 39% decrease in penalty charge notices since their introduction

Clean Air Zones (CAZ) and Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are designed to improve air quality, by charging drivers of high-polluting vehicles that enter into a specific area. London was the first city to introduce one of these zones, with a number of other cities following suit in recent years.

With this in mind, taxi insurance specialists ChoiceQuote aimed to determine the number of vehicles fined since the introduction of clean air and low emission zones, how much each council has fined drivers in this period and whether these zones are effectively deterring high-pollution vehicles from the area or motivating people to invest in low emission vehicles.

In total, over 11 million Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) have been issued by councils since their introduction of clean air and low emission zones. However on average, the number of PCN issued has decreased by 39% since their introduction which is encouraging to see.

The study analysed Freedom of Information data from Transport for London and local councils across the UK to identify which areas have issued the most fines and which have experienced the largest decreases in PCN since the introduction of the zones.

How many penalty charge notices have been issued by UK councils?

City	Total PCN	Total £	Avg Monthly PCNs	Avg Monthly £
Aberdeen	33,850	£5,015,160	2,821	£417,930
Birmingham	2,196,729	£100,766,280	47,755	£2,190,571
Bristol	1,045,013	£125,401,560	37,322	£4,478,627
Dundee	16,696	£2,282,340	1,284	£175,565
Edinburgh	51,015	£5,261,520	3,924	£404,732
Glasgow	72,100	£7,267,800	3,005	£302,825
London	7,814,614	£386,293,224	108,536	£5,365,184

Over £627 million has been generated by clean air and low emission zones throughout the UK, with almost 200,000 PCNs given out per month on average, amounting to over 11 million since the zones first began.

London launched its Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2019, initially covering inner London, before, expanding to cover all 32 boroughs by 2023^[1]. In its five years of operation the capital has received over £386 million in fines during this period, with over 108,000 penalty charge notices being issued each month to drivers.

Birmingham introduced its clean air zone in June 2021 and over a 48 month period, drivers in the city have received over 2 million fines, averaging out at nearly 48,000 per month. This equates to fines of over £100 million, or nearly £2.2 million per month.

Bristol Introduced its clean air zone in 2022 and has issued fines totalling over £125 million, or an average of £3.2 million per month. Despite receiving fewer fines overall, Bristol drivers pay £1.2 million more on average per month than drivers in Birmingham. This suggests a significant presence of repeat offenders in Bristol, which raises the average fine amount from £60 to up to £960.

Which cities have seen the biggest decrease in penalty charge notices?

City	% decrease in PCNs
Dundee*	52%
Edinburgh*	48%
Aberdeen*	35%
Glasgow**	35%
Birmingham**	33%
Bristol**	28%

(London data excluded due to expansion of ULEZ in 2021 and 2023 inflating figures)

* % decrease since the introduction of CAZ and LEZs **Yearly average decreases in number of PCNs

On average, there has been a 39% drop in the number of PCNs handed out to motorists, as more drivers either avoid clean air and low emission zones entirely, or upgrade to compliant vehicles.

Since Dundee implemented its low emission zone in June 2024, the city has experienced a 52% reduction in PCNs. In June 2024, 2,117 charges were issued, with this number dropping to 1,014 by June 2025.

While the number of PCNs issued has decreased by over half, the amount fined has increased by £31,320 to £167,160 in June 2025. This is due to an increasing number of drivers being charged a higher fine for driving through the zone multiple times.

Edinburgh has experienced the second most significant decrease in PCNs. The Scottish capital issued 6,039 fines issued in June 2024, compared to just 3,157 in June 2025.

Aberdeen has seen a 35% reduction in PCNs issued since June 2024. Initially, 3,751 fines were issued in June 2024, but by May 2025, this number had decreased to 2,437. Notably, in May 2025, only 1,727 vehicles were caught driving through low emission zones for the first time, compared to 3,387 vehicles in June 2024.

However, 262 vehicles received their fifth fine within a 12-month period, resulting in a fine of £960, significantly higher than the £60 penalty for a first-time offence.

Phil Leese, Taxi and Specialist Motor Trading Manager at insurance broker ChoiceQuote, comments: “It’s positive to see that the introduction of low emission and clean air zones within UK cities is working in minimising the amount of high polluting vehicles travelling through congested areas.

“In some areas the number of fines issued has reduced by half! These zones have influenced driving habits, not only by prompting drivers to avoid certain areas but also by encouraging investment in more environmentally friendly vehicles.

“Data indicates that while a high number of people were charged in the first month of low emission and clean air zone introductions people are now aware of which roads to avoid if their vehicle is not compliant. However, if you are visiting a city for the first time is can be tricky to navigate which roads you can and can’t travel on.

“Motorists are advised to look out for signs indicating the boundaries of clean air and low emission zones within a city and do their research on whether their vehicle is compliant before making any journeys through these zones.

“If you are a Google or Apple Maps user, these apps will provide you with alternative routes to avoid restrictions so it’s important to always pay attention and plan your route before setting off on your journey.”

Winter of ‘giant rats’ looming?

YOUR TAKEAWAYS COULD BE THE CULPRIT

Recent reports warn that a ‘winter of rats’ is around the corner, highlighting growing infestations across the country. Brits haven’t taken the warning lightly, and have been querying how to get rid of rats the most this week, with a 69% uptick in searches.

Experts at Rainbow Rubbish removals have provided expert advice on preventing rats in the home, as rat populations peak.

Five expert tips to prevent rats in the home

Get rid of food and water sources

Rainbow Rubbish removals warn that this could be a particularly bad winter for rats. Seasonal events and colder weather means higher levels of discarded takeaway food, which provides a ready source of nourishment for the pests. We’re seeing more reports in the UK of ‘giant rats’ because there’s plenty of food for them to eat.

Overflowing bins and easy access to homes make it simple for rats to thrive. Their presence is more than just a nuisance: rats can spread diseases through droppings and contaminated surfaces, so use tightly fitting lids and avoid leaving food scraps in open bins overnight, clean up spilled food and don’t leave empty takeaway containers accessible.

Miroslav Radov comments: “Rats seek areas where they can find food, and they will eat almost anything. Therefore, ensuring that you have eliminated any food or water sources that they could feed off is crucial.

“Food and water sources are one of the primary reasons rats enter homes, and by eliminating this motivation, the rats are much less likely to enter and more importantly, less likely to stick around.”

Inspect your home for entry points

Rats can squeeze through very small holes, sometimes as small as 20mm in diameter, roughly the size of a 10p coin. This makes inspecting your home for entry points during seasons of increased rat activity such as late summer-autumn crucial. By identifying these small potential entry points, you can highly decrease the risk of rats entering your property, eliminating the risk of health hazards.

Focus on gaps in low level foundations and pipes. Cracks in any walls or doors can also be entry points for rats, so be sure to check for any damage and if found, take the needed steps to seal these potential points of entry. Be sure to also examine vents for gaps, as well as looking for gaps under any decking or sheds.

Radov suggests: “Whilst inspecting for entry points, check for signs of rat activity. This could be droppings, scratching or scurrying noises, or nests and nesting materials. If you are unsure or unable to adequately check your property for entry points, pest control professionals are able to identify all the smallest entry points, and if you find signs of rat activity, they can also help to eliminate any rat problem or infestation.”

Limit the potential for habitats

Limiting the potential for rat habitats can help keep them away from your property, and instead, seek somewhere else where they have what they need to survive. To do this, eliminate food sources and seal entry points and previously mentioned.

Additionally, be sure to regularly clean food spills and empty garbage often.

Another key consideration in potential rat habitats is to minimise clutter in your home and garden. Clutter can serve as a great hiding or nesting place for rats, making it more likely for them to make themselves at home on your property.

Radov advises: “It is also important to check for any moisture issues and sources. For instance, any leaky pipes or faucets can be appealing for rats who seek a readily available water source, and damp conditions, which can attract other pests that act as a food source for rats.”

Consider natural repellents

There are various natural deterrents you can use to deter rats and decrease the chances of them entering and nesting in your home. Apply these in areas where rats are likely to be or to enter, such as near entry points, in cupboards, or around bird feeders in gardens.

Peppermint Oil
- Peppermint’s strong and pungent scent is known to irritate rats due to their strong sense of smell. However, don’t rely on this as a long-term solution alone, and be sure to follow other key steps such as eliminating food sources, as they could become accustomed to the smell and still be motivated to enter if food is available.
Essential Oils
- Essential oils such as eucalyptus create an environment that’s unbearable for rats, due to its potent smell, encouraging them to leave. However, this again comes with a warning, as it may not be enough of a solution if it isn’t used in conjunction with other methods of deterrence.
Cayenne Pepper
- Rats dislike this due to its strong and spicy scent and taste, which can deter them from entering the space in which this pepper is present. However, there is always the present risk that rats may learn to tolerate this smell, if there is an active food source available nearby. Therefore, always combine this with other methods such as those detailed above.

Keep your home clean and utilise ventilation

One of the most important and simple steps you can take to prevent rats is to maintain good levels of hygiene, cleanliness and ventilation in your home. By nature, rats are attracted to unsanitary environments as well as a lack of airflow.

This makes a clean and well-ventilated space less appealing and more difficult to survive in, as a clean home with limited clutter means their food sources are eliminated.

Radov states: “Ensure that you regularly vacuum and mop, taking extra care in spaces such as kitchens which can harbour crumbs and food waste which attracts rats. Dispose of waste appropriately and securely, and if needed, invest in a rodent proof bin with a very tight fitting lid.

Keep attics and spaces within the home well ventilated, to discourage rats from crawling and nesting in these spaces. Also be sure to be attentive to your garden and trim overgrown bushes and plants, as rats can hide within these.”

This Saturday: Wildflower Planting in East Pilton Park

Wildflower Planting in East Pilton Park this Saturday 10.30-1 (11th October) with Granton Community Gardeners. Free, family friendly activity.

Join us to add wildflower seeds and spring bulbs to the long grass patches of East Pilton Park (around the new tree plantings).

As well as looking beautiful, we hope to improve the area for pollinators and also increase the number of invertebrates (insects and other wee bugs) for our local birds to eat.

We are particularly hoping to help increase the food supply for our nearby swift colony and this project goes hand in hand with plans we have to give the swifts more good local nesting sites by adding swift boxes to buildings.

Amazingly, the council’s ecologists have found that long grass areas can have as much as 90 times more life than short grass. Let’s add flowers to make them even better!

Please get in touch if you’re planning to come so we can bring a sensible number of tools: email katie@grantoncommunitygardeners.org

(Also dress for the weather, and bear in mind that the closest public toilets are in Ainsley Park Leisure Centre).

You can also check out more about our ‘Nature in Granton’ project via new page on our website:

https://www.grantoncommunitygardeners.org/nature-in-granton

Protecting and restoring rainforests

Over £3 million to support temperate rainforests

Rainforest projects are to benefit from more than £3 million funding to protect biodiversity and build ecosystem resilience to climate change.

The funding will be used to help save Scotland’s temperate rainforest – made up of native woodlands found on the west coast, where consistent levels of rainfall and relatively mild, year-round temperatures provide the right conditions for some of the world’s rarest mosses, liverworts and lichens – from the effects of the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

This year 1,350 hectares of priority rainforest habitat will benefit from funding to:

remove rhododendron, a non-native invasive species that robs plants of nutrients, moisture and light, to give other plants space to grow
restore plantations on ancient woodland sites
prevent damage to young trees and ground vegetation through deer management

Announcing the funding during Scotland’s Climate Week, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Scotland is home to its own temperate rainforest boasting a variety of rare species and habitats, and we are already delivering work to protect and expand this precious environment. We have some of the best remaining rainforest sites in Europe.

“Forestry Land Scotland are already carrying out immense work within the rainforest zone and have restored more than 2,654 hectares since 2023, and this additional funding of more than £3 million will help us to go further faster.

“Rainforests can capture up to one million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year so protecting them is essential to help us reach net zero emissions by 2045 and, crucially, tackle biodiversity loss.”

Talk about nature in Granton

NATURE IN GRANTON: WE WANT YOUR VIEWS!

More or less trees, foxes or gulls? Get that grass cut or let the wildflowers grow? Is nature helping with your mental health, or helping kids let off steam? Are there ways we could help nature thrive more, or should we tarmac the lot?!

Would you be up for chatting about nature in Granton for an hour for a £10 voucher (for Morrisons or Granton Garden Bakery – your choice)?

We’ll be running focus groups: Tuesday 7th October: 10-11am or 11.30am-12.30, at Pilton Community Health Project, 73 Boswall Parkway. (tea/coffee and biscuits provided).

Places limited: to sign up please email: tom@grantoncommunitygardeners.org

We’re also launching an online survey, and would be grateful if anyone local could spend a few minutes filling it in (as much or little as you like):

https://forms.gle/q6xaTgmW3g2fp5yK9

Scottish Government backs clean energy jobs

SCOTLAND’S CLIMATE WEEK 28th SEPTEMBER – 5TH OCTOBER 2025

Workers and communities across the North East of Scotland will benefit from £8.5 million in new funding to support the shift to clean energy careers.

Four projects are receiving funding this year through the Just Transition Fund focus on offshore wind infrastructure and supply chain development, demonstrating the Scottish Government’s commitment to economic development and supporting communities through the energy transition.

The successful projects include:

Cable Handling Facility, Maritime Developments Ltd – £2.9 million
Orah Assembly and Deployment, Verlume Ltd – £2.5 million
Enabling Renewable Energy Infrastructure, Fraserburgh Harbour Commissioners – £2.4 million
Large Scale Synthetic Mooring Line Test Rig, ORE Catapult – £500,000

The investment targets areas that have provided energy security through oil and gas for generations, ensuring these communities remain at the centre of Scotland’s energy future as the country accelerates towards net zero.

The funding marks the beginning of Scotland’s Climate Week, with First Minister John Swinney officially opening Scotland’s largest energy transition skills hub at North East Scotland College in Aberdeen – a new centre of excellence which will train young people for highly skilled roles in the growing renewables sector.

The Hub received £4.5 million from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund and represents a collaboration between the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ), North East Scotland College, Shell UK, and the Scottish Government.

First Minister John Swinney said: “This new round of funding responds to the immediate priorities of energy businesses in the North East. It focuses on projects that have a clear goal of supporting jobs and maximising economic opportunities in the region.

“The North East has long been a titan of the oil and gas industries and we must move forward together towards a cleaner, more sustainable world. Just Transition funding aims to ensure no one is left behind and that communities continue to play a vital role in the country’s clean energy future.

“I’m also looking forward to opening the ETZ’s Energy Transition Skills Hub, at the start of this year’s Climate Week. Supported by £4.5 million of Scottish Government funding, this centre of excellence will prepare local young people for the highly skilled jobs and opportunities of the future in the renewable energy industry.”

Support for youth climate activists

Funding to mentor and upskill young green leaders

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin has pledged support for the next generation of green leaders in Africa as Climate Week NYC gets underway.

A total of £165,000 of Scottish Government funding has been awarded to the Green Generation Initiative (GGI) Youth Accelerator Programme – run by Kenyan youth climate activist Elizabeth Wathuti.

It will be used to help identify, upskill and mentor 25 emerging African climate leaders seeking to drive change and action in their local communities through a year-long fellowship programme.

The move reflects government commitments to champion the rights of children and young people as a signatory of the UNICEF Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action.

The government also reiterated its commitment to amplify the voices and strengthen the participation of young people from the Global South at climate conferences.

Ms Martin met with Ms Wathuti as part of her engagements in New York for Climate Week NYC.

She said: “Young people’s activism has challenged governments around the world to go further and faster on climate action and was instrumental in Scotland becoming one of the first countries to declare a climate emergency.

“Now, more than ever, we have a responsibility to ensure that young people feel valued, empowered and heard, and that they have access to the right funding and resources to act as agents of change in climate advocacy and action.

“This funding supports wider Scottish Government action on climate justice – which recognises that those who have contributed the least to global emissions are the ones most vulnerable to its impacts.

“By empowering youth-led organisations, we will help mobilise the next generation of leaders to shape climate policy, drive innovation and promote inclusive action that meets the needs of the communities they represent.”

Elizabeth Wathuti founder of Green Generation Initiative said: “The Green Generation Initiative (GGI) is glad to partner with the Scottish Government to scale our Africa’s Next Green Leaders Eccelerator (ANGLE).

“This partnership marks a powerful step toward building a green accelerator ecosystem in Africa that transforms promising youth-led climate leaders, ideas, solutions, and initiatives into investable, scalable, and locally rooted social enterprises and champions for people, planet, and prosperity.

“Through a strong consortium of partners and as a key youth voice in Africa, the Green Generation Initiative (GGI), through ANGLE is committed to advancing just, resilient, and low-carbon development pathways, driving green transitions across African communities and markets.”

Scotland’s Climate Action Secretary to attend Climate Week NYC

Visit is ‘opportunity to highlight role of devolved nations in driving climate action’

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin will undertake a series of engagements in New York as part of Climate Week NYC.

Climate Week NYC brings together global leaders, businesses and civil society to address climate change and promote sustainable solutions.

In recognition of Scotland’s leadership positions as Regions4 President and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, Ms Martin will attend a series of meetings with member representatives as part of ongoing work to strengthen the influence of devolved, state and regional governments within international climate discussions.

Attendance at Climate Week will also be a chance to share knowledge and experience on emissions reductions and the need for a just transition with others, as well as action on creating climate resilience and enabling real, lasting and fair change across Scotland.

Speaking ahead of her visit, Ms Martin said: “No community is safe from the impacts of climate change, but the burden isn’t shared equally – with the poorest and most vulnerable suffering the most.

“Climate Week NYC gives Scotland the chance to shape the global conversation on climate finance and climate justice.

“As President of Regions4 and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, Scotland is pushing for more ambitious climate action – and we’re making sure that the voices of the Global South, especially women and young people, are heard loud and clear.

“I look forward to the opportunity to further build the influence of devolved, states and regional governments within the international climate debate with a strong focus on capacity building.”

The Cabinet Secretary’s programme will see her addressing the Under2 Global Ministerial Session on Monday 22 September as European Co-Chair of the Under2 Coalition.

She will also represent Scotland as President of Regions4, convening a roundtable of network members on Tuesday 23 September to inform and develop the network’s preparations for COP30.

On Wednesday 24 September the Scottish Government will co-host the livestreamed launch of a case study on the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service, in collaboration with ICLEI and Climate View.

The Cabinet Secretary will deliver opening remarks and take questions during a panel discussion emphasising the importance of and Scotland’s pioneering work on multilevel governance.

West Pilton Community Cleanup

MONDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER from 4.30pm – 6.30pm FERRY ROAD DRIVE

**Calling All Volunteers young and old!**

We’re hosting a **Community Clean-Up** and we need YOUR help to make a difference!

**Where?** The Arena Basketball Court, Ferry Road Drive

**When?** Monday 22nd September

**Time?** 4:30PM – 6:30PM (Clean-Up)

6:30PM – 7:30PM (Refreshments at PYCP – come relax and chat!)

Let’s come together to **tidy and improve the basketball court and surrounding green space**.

Whether you can spare 30 minutes or the whole time, every helping hand counts!

**Free refreshments afterwards** at PYCP – everyone welcome!

Let’s make The Arena a space we can all be proud of.

**Supported by:** Places for People Pilton Youth and Children’s Project (PYCP), Police Scotland Edinburgh

**Tag a friend, share this post, and let’s build a cleaner, greener, more welcoming community together!**

#TheArenaBasketballCourt

MAN V FAT teams up with Football Rebooted – the sport’s biggest ever environmntal movement

New partnership set to change lives and help the planet

MAN v FAT Football has embarked on an exciting new partnership, having teamed up with Utilita Energy’s Football Rebooted campaign – the beautiful game’s biggest ever environmental movement.

Football Rebooted launched in May 2021 after findings from a Utilita-commissioned report into the combined impact of the pandemic and the cost-of-living-crisis on grassroots football.

The response from fans was immediate and within the first few weeks, thousands of pre-loved football boot donations had flooded in, not only reducing potential landfill but also making a difference to the lives of children and adults in the UK.

MAN v FAT, the UK’s leading men’s weight loss programme, guides over 8,000 men every week on their wellbeing journey – with MAN v FAT Edinburgh meeting up on Thursdays at 6:30pm at Powerleague Portobello.

Having joined forces with Football Rebooted, the scheme will not only be saving families a few quid but will be reinforcing the importance of upcycling and reusing items that still have a lot of life left in them.

Pro-pocket, pro-planet

Sam Cook, Utilita’s Partnerships Marketing Manager, commented on the environmental impact of rehoming boots: “Since its launch in 2021, the Football Rebooted campaign has collected and reallocated thousands of quality football boots, saving hard-pressed families a small fortune and helping to reduce landfill and carbon emissions.

“To put the environmental benefits into context, our aim is to prevent at least a million pairs of boots from ending up in landfill and saving 136,000 tonnes of carbon – the same as taking 7,000 cars off the road for a year.”

Chris Hawkins, Utilita’s West Bromwich Energy Hub Supervisor, helped to instigate the partnership, having recently joined the MAN v FAT Dudley League in May 2025. Chris said: “Given the financial hardship that families are facing, we understand that it may be challenging for people to be able to take part in team sports.

“The 2025 MAN v FAT National Football Tournament, held at the Lilleshall National Centre, provided a perfect stage to launch the partnership and I was delighted to take along the Football Rebooted collection boxes.

“As a regular MAN v FAT Football competitor, I consider the partnership to be a natural fit as we share so many goals to help adults and youngsters be active, participate and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of team sport.”

Community focus

Matt Hudson, Associate Director of Marketing and Partnerships at MAN v FAT Football, commented on the why the weight-loss initiative is supporting the campaign: “The Football Rebooted scheme delivers an extremely fun and unique claim system that avoids any family needing to feel embarrassed at taking second-hand items.

“If you have any spare or unused football boots, please consider donating and helping us make football accessible to everyone in the local community!

“We’d like to thank our players and their supporters for getting behind the Football Rebooted scheme, which plays a vital role in giving both children and adults the opportunity to take advantage of the physical, mental, and social benefits of playing a sport.”

How can you get involved?

Anyone with a spare pair of football boots (or astroturf boots) should simply give them a clean and drop them off at their local Football Rebooted collection point.

Boots can also be donated at the Edinburgh Utilita Energy Hub – located at 41 Newkirkgate in Leith – keeping them in the local eco-system to ensure they’re re-used.

Anyone requiring football boots, including individuals and families, can simply reach out to their local collection point to check what sizes are available before coming to collect them.

Schools and clubs in need of football boots can also submit their kit requirements via the Football Rebooted website.

To get a FREE Football Rebooted box and start collecting and redistributing boots within your sports club, school or local community, visit:

www.footballrebooted.co.uk.

MAN v FAT clubs wishing to take part should contact Matt Hudson via email matt@manvfat.com.