Dundee’s low emission zone has gone live.
The scheme targets older diesel and petrol vehicles that contribute most to rising carbon emissions and air pollution.
But drivers will not be subject to enforcement – read £60 fines – until May 30 2024 thanks to a two-year grace period.
The Scottish Government is driving forward low emission zones (LEZ) across Scotland’s largest cities.
So what do you need to know?
Will my car be banned?
Older vehicles are not allowed into the city centre.
Diesel cars and vans which do not meet Euro 6 standards are barred.
Generally, this is any vehicle registered before 2015.
Similarly, most petrol vehicles older than 2006 are also be banned.
Scotland's four largest cities are introducing Low Emission Zones (LEZs) to improve air quality.
Funded by @TranScotland, the LEZ Support Fund offers eligible businesses a grant towards the disposal of non-compliant vehicles.
Apply now: https://t.co/0vXh93n3Hp#NetZero pic.twitter.com/08K0Qv1Xsj
— Energy Saving Trust (@EnergySvgTrust) June 22, 2021
Buses, coaches and HGVs registered from 2013 are allowed to access the city centre, but not older ones.
Motorcycles and mopeds are exempt from the scheme and therefore allowed entry.
Electric cars can enter the LEZ too.
Will it help and how much will it cost me?
Drivers caught flouting the rules will be fined £60, or £30 if paid within 14 days.
That’s a fine and not a congestion charge as operates in London.
The idea is to stop polluting vehicles from entering the zone.
The rules are in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week,
A fleet of automatic number plate recognition cameras dotted throughout the LEZ will monitor compliance.
Are there other exemptions?
Yes, and the list makes for some interesting reading.
Aside from exemptions for emergency and military vehicles, the list also includes cars older than 30 years old and “showman” vehicles.
A showman vehicle is classed as “highly specialised” and one used by travelling showmen.
The vehicle has to be used during the performance, or for carrying related equipment.
Buses carrying musical gear to Caird Hall would be one example.
Classed as “vehicles of historic interest”, cars older than 30 years old which are no longer in production are allowed to drive within the LEZ.
Disabled people will also be able to use their cars to enter the city centre providing they have a blue badge.
Where is the LEZ?
Dundee city centre’s inner ring road forms the boundary of the LEZ.
The inner ring road is made up of streets including West Marketgait, North Marketgait, Thomson Avenue and Dock Street.
Streets within this area are bound by the Dundee low emission zone rules.
This includes Dundee Bus Station and Seagate, which is among the country’s most polluted streets.
Three car parks along the periphery of the zone are exempt — Bell Street, Wellgate Centre and West Marketgait.
Drivers wishing to use the Overgate Centre car park will have to ensure their vehicle is allowed to entre the zone.
Despite high levels of air pollution there, Lochee Road is not part of the zone.
When will enforcement begin?
The zone’s introduction has previously been pushed back due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Enforcement should begin on May 30 2024 after a two-year grace period. That is to allow drivers and residents time to adapt to the new rules and get a compliant vehicle if necessary.
That means no fines issued for the time being. However, the cameras have gone live and will begin recording data.
If you’re still in doubt about your wheels then this vehicle checker should help.
Will the Dundee low emission zone affect public transport?
One of the goals of LEZ is to have fewer cars on the roads in city centres across Scotland, which would in turn make public transport more attractive.
Bosses at Xplore Dundee have said they are doing everything they can to ensure their fleet is fully compliant.
Conversation