Hundreds of drivers still owe fines for entering Dundee’s low emission zone (LEZ) a year after it was introduced.
New data obtained by The Courier shows only about 54% of fines issued by the council in the first year of the zone being in place have been paid so far.
A total of 15,682 penalty charge notices (PCNs) were issued to drivers for entering the zone in non-compliant vehicles between the end of May last year and May this year.
However, as of June 6, only 8,546 of those fines had been paid, with more than 7,000 still outstanding.
More than 1,500 of the unpaid fines date from May and June last year, during the first month of the scheme.
Council issues £1.6 million in LEZ fines to Dundee drivers in first year
The statistics, obtained by The Courier through Freedom of Information, show LEZ offenders owe the local authority nearly £430,000 in unpaid fines.
The total value of fines issued to drivers sits at about £1.6 million.
Maggie Chapman, Scottish Greens MSP for the nort-east, called for the local authority to take LEZ enforcement “seriously”.
She said: “The LEZ prioritises the health of thousands of Dundonians who are at risk from toxic air, such as those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory conditions.
“These fines are meant to serve not only as a preventive measure, to reduce the number of toxic vehicles driving through our city centre, but also as a method of raising funds for crucial projects to tackle the climate emergency in Dundee.
“To properly take the action we need, Dundee City Council must take these measures seriously.
“The climate crisis will require more leadership at every level of politics if we are to ensure a future for both people and our planet.”
Hundreds of drivers appeal against Dundee LEZ fines
Dundee LEZ fines can be appealed by drivers who feel they have been wrongly charged.
Between May 2024 and April 2025, there were 515 successful appeals and 435 unsuccessful appeals against the fines.
A “general reason” was the most common reason for an appeal given by the council.
This could refer to a motorist who is exempt because they have a blue badge or those arguing that they were driving compliant vehicles.
In April, The Courier told how a Dundee pensioner claimed he had been repeatedly fined for entering the zone, despite having an exemption as a registered blue badge holder.
Other reasons for successful appeals were as follows:
- Wrong vehicle recorded
- Cloned vehicle
- Not the owner of the vehicle
- Incorrect registration plate
- Signage issues
- Medical emergency
- Directed into the LEZ by the police
- Image recorded by cameras did not match the vehicle
- Entered the LEZ due to roadworks
How does the Dundee LEZ work?
The Dundee LEZ targets older diesel and petrol vehicles as part of efforts to lessen harmful emissions and air pollution in the city centre.
It includes the area inside the city’s A990 Inner Ring Road and uses automatic number plate recognition cameras to monitor compliance.
Motorists risk a fine of £60 for entering the zone in a non-compliant vehicle.
A fine is reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.
However, the charge for entering the zone doubles for every offence committed within the same 90-day period.
This means drivers can be fined up to a cap of £480 during that time.
While drivers of larger vehicles face fines of up to £960 if they are repeat offenders.
Dundee City Council using ‘all legal means open to recover unpaid fines’
Dundee City Council says the LEZ is meeting the air quality targets set out by the Scottish Government to tackle carbon emissions and air pollution.
A spokesperson said: “Fewer people are getting fined for driving non-compliant vehicles in the zone, which shows that awareness and compliance are improving.
“Drivers are encouraged to pay any PCN within 14 days of the issue date to receive a 50% discount and avoid increased penalties and potential legal action.
“Any outstanding PCNs are actively pursued by the council. We use all legal means open to recover money due from unpaid fines.”
Conversation