Tag: LEZ enforcement

New funding for sustainable projects after a year of LEZ enforcement

Following the first year of Low Emission Zone (LEZ) enforcement, around £793,000 of surplus income is set to be used on a range of initiatives.

The Low Emission Zone Annual Report (LEZAR) published today (February 2) outlines the progress of Edinburgh’s scheme in its first financial year since enforcement began in June 2024.

After meeting the scheme’s operating costs, any surplus LEZ income must be used towards the scheme’s wider objectives.

The Transport and Environment Committee agreed in August 2024 that surplus income would be used to fund citywide Council projects which contribute to air quality and/or climate change emission reduction. Committee also agreed that special consideration should be made to projects in areas bordering the LEZ.  

Some of the projects which funding is being allocated to include:

  • Supporting the delivery of the city’s 7-7-7 bus lane trial
  • Delivering traffic sensors to improve network data intelligence and monitoring
  • Research to support businesses on air quality issues
  • Engagement activities with local schools on air pollution and climate change
  • Measures to tackle engine idling

A full list is available in the LEZAR.

In our most recent Air Quality Annual Progress Report (APR), we’ve also seen a consistent downward trend in Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) concentrations across both city centre and residential sites.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) is preparing a separate report with a nationally updated model for the LEZ, which will include updated traffic and air quality information for Edinburgh.

The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) also published a study indicating that active travel and public transport use increased within the LEZ during the first six months after LEZ enforcement. Footfall data gathered from 2021 to 2025 shows that walking as a mode of travel in the city centre has increased.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: This report underlines the real progress that’s been made since LEZ enforcement began. I have no doubt that this new revenue will unlock many new and exciting projects which will benefit residents across the city.

“As Scotland’s capital city, we have a core responsibility to combat the climate and nature emergencies. Fundamentally though, the LEZ is about making our city healthier for everyone. Multiple studies show that even low levels of pollution can have an impact on our health, with road traffic being one of the main sources of harmful emissions.

“We’ll continue to encourage people to use active travel and public transport wherever possible, whilst reducing their car use and considering lower polluting vehicles. Our commitment to this can be seen in new developments like the trial cycle hire scheme along with projects under our City Mobility Plan, giving our residents greater choice and creating a better city for us all.

“The latest air quality data, average decrease in PCNs, and positive shift towards greater use of active travel and public transport, shows clearly that we’re headed in the right direction.

2The LEZ remains an important tool to help us achieve our ambitious climate goals, including net zero emissions by 2030.”

Facts and Figures:

From June 2024 to March 2025, 40,945 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were issued, of which 70% were paid across all stages (from discount to debt recovery).

£1,050,780 income was received from PCNs. Net surplus after costs was £793,187.

84.5% of PCNs issued were for first contraventions.

62.4% of PCNs were paid at the discounted rate.

Between June 2024 and January 2025 alone the total number of PCNs issued decreased by 56%.

Over 95% of vehicles entering the LEZ are compliant.

Preparations underway for LEZ enforcement in Edinburgh

Contractors will start installing signage around the LEZ city centre boundary from October to help drivers plan their journeys in advance of enforcement beginning on 1 June 2024.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, which support enforcement, will be installed in late 2023/early 2024 and a mobile enforcement vehicle will be active from June 2024 onwards.

In early 2024 there will also be changes made to some street layouts and signals around the LEZ boundary to cut congestion and improve safety for everyone. 

Full details of the changes can be found on the Council website.

Independent market research carried out in June indicates that a majority of drivers in Edinburgh continue to support the LEZ and think protecting public health is important. Awareness and understanding of the LEZ has improved since 2022, highlighting the success of the local and national communications campaigns.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “It may seem some way off, but we are beginning to approach the start of enforcement of the LEZ, and we want to make sure drivers are prepared.

“Air pollution harms both our physical and mental health, so by restricting the most polluting vehicles in the LEZ we will create a healthier place for everyone, reducing inequalities and making the city centre a more welcoming place.

“I’m pleased that compliance with our emissions standards continues to increase, driven by the upcoming LEZ restrictions and support funds, and that support remains high. Lothian Buses are now LEZ ready, and the Council fleet will be soon.

“There’s still work to be done though to ensure everyone else who enters the zone is compliant. As we begin preparations for enforcement, I would encourage all drivers to check if their vehicle is compliant through the online vehicle checker tool, and find out more about the support funds available.”

A city centre LEZ was introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022, along with LEZs in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee, restricting the most polluting vehicles and benefiting everyone’s health. In Edinburgh, a two-year grace period is in place, meaning no penalty charges will be issued during this time.

Earlier this year, data analysed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) revealed that overall compliance with Edinburgh’s LEZ emissions standards had increased from 48% to 78% over the last six years.

Compliance is particularly high amongst the local buses (97%), with Lothian Buses being 100% compliant. Petrol cars (95%) and lorries (86%) also have high compliance rates yet diesel cars are only 50% complaint.

Restricting the most polluting vehicles will significantly reduce harmful emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from vehicles by up to 50% within the LEZ. Further air quality improvements are expected beyond the boundary, improving public health around the city.

LEZ restrictions will apply to motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds. Vehicles must meet the minimum emissions standards to drive within the zone, though national exemptions apply including for blue badge holders and emergency vehicles.

Edinburgh’s LEZ will issue penalty notice charges, or fines, in line with Scottish regulations, from 1 June 2023. Penalties start at £60, for non-compliant vehicles driving within the Zone though this is reduced by 50% to £30 if paid within 14 days.

Penalties escalate and surcharges will be issued if drivers repeatedly enter the LEZ within a 90 day period. These surcharges are capped at £480 for cars and vans, and £960 for buses and lorries. 

Find out more about LEZ penalties.

Find out more about LEZ installation.