New rule changes ahead of Low Emission Zone rollout

author: FutureCar Staff    

Drivers are being encouraged to take advantage of grant schemes to save money when purchasing cleaner vehicles, such as electric cars, in anticipation of the implementation of new emissions-based charging schemes. In Scotland, four new Low Emission Zones are scheduled to launch next year, with enforcement measures being put in place for drivers.

Aberdeen, Dundee, and Edinburgh will have enforcement starting at the end of May and beginning of June, while Glasgow's enforcement will also apply to residents in the area. The penalty for driving within the Low Emission Zone with a vehicle that does not meet emissions standards will be £60, but it can be reduced to £30 if paid early.

The fine will double for each subsequent violation detected, with a maximum cap of £480 for cars and LGVs. Buses and HGVs will have a cap of £960. However, if no further breaches occur within 90 days after the initial infraction, the penalty rate will be reset back to £60.

To assist drivers in dealing with the upcoming changes in the law, support has been introduced for those in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Petrol vehicles must have engines that meet the Euro 4 emissions standard, which generally applies to those registered after 2006. Diesel car and van owners are required to have a Euro 6 vehicle to avoid penalty charges, with these typically needing to be registered after September 2015. The Energy Saving Trust is offering funding to households and small businesses within a 20km radius of Scotland's Low Emission Zones.

This support aims to promote the adoption of zero-emission cars and the disposal of non-compliant vehicles. Grants of up to £3,000 are available to assist drivers in transitioning to cleaner vehicles, including a £2,000 incentive for households that dispose of their polluting vehicle at a Scottish authorized treatment facility. Eligible individuals must reside within 20km of one of Scotland's LEZs and be in receipt of specific means-tested benefits. Additional incentives, such as Travel Better grants of up to £500 per adult in an eligible household, are also available, with a maximum of £1,000 per household.

The implementation of the new Low Emission Zones is scheduled to begin enforcement next year.

FutureCar Staff