Drivers in a major UK city have been slapped with nearly £200,000 worth of Low Emission Zone fines in the first few months of the scheme.
In total, Dundee City Council has collected £187,650 worth of fines from non-compliant vehicles since May 30, when the zone came into force.
Data recorded by the council found that in the first eight weeks of the LEZ, 3,846 fines were given to drivers who broke the rules.
However, the council said it had so far collected only £53,430 in fines and was still waiting for the remaining £134,220 to be paid by drivers.
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The LEZ scheme was introduced in Dundee in May 2022
DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL
The LEZ Scheme was introduced to the city in May 2022 with a two-year grace period before the fines would commence.
This applies to both residents and non-residents of the LEZ area, as well as to all non-exempt vehicle types.
From May 30, 2024, petrol cars and vans must meet now Euro 4 exhaust emissions standards, and diesel cars and vans must meet Euro 6 exhaust emissions standards to avoid getting fined.
Owners of non-compliant vehicles found driving inside the charging area in Dundee city centre can be fined a £60 fixed penalty charge, although this will be cut by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days.
Dundee was the first city in Scotland to begin enforcing LEZ, with Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow introducing the penalties in June.
The data also recorded how two vehicles, most likely either a bus, minibus or lorry, were fined £960 five times during the eight-week period.
Meanwhile, a further 35 vehicles were caught breaking the LEZ rules four times, resulting in a fine of £480 per car.
The majority of vehicles, however (3,425) were all fined the standard£60 during the first eight weeks.
A Dundee City Council spokesperson told GB News: “Drivers of non-compliant vehicles who enter the Low Emission Zone receive a £60 Penalty Charge Notice, however if this is paid within 14 days the penalty charge is discounted by 50 per cent.
“The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 states that all income from the Low Emission Zone must be first used to facilitate the scheme.
"It is forecast that income from the LEZ will decline overtime and revenue received in the first year will be set aside to contribute to future years costs of operating and maintaining the LEZ infrastructure.”
Motorcycles and mopeds will not be affected by the LEZ Scheme neither will emergency services or Blue Badge holders.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The Dundee LEZ rules began enforcement on May 30 this year
PABlue Badge holders who require exemptions can register their details with the council to avoid getting unnecessarily fined.
