Cities across Scotland are preparing to roll out new Low Emission Zones with drivers warned to prepare for upcoming fines within months.
The LEZ aims to help to improve air quality and reduce harmful air pollution across Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
In Aberdeen, drivers will have until June 1 before the enforcements begin to charge polluted vehicles, with the Scottish Government keen to introduce emissions schemes to slash pollution levels.
The council said 85 per cent of vehicles will be compliant with LEZ by the time enforcement starts with people able to enter their vehicle registration number on the website to check if their vehicle complies.
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Low Emission Zones in Scotland will begin charging in June
PA
Under LEZ rules, if a vehicle does not meet the specified emission standards and drivers travel through the zone they could face a £60 fine, which can be slashed by 50 per cent if paid within 14 days.
Phil Mackie, a consultant at NHS Grampian, welcomed the LEZ, saying: “The World Health Organisation has identified air pollution as one of the greatest threats to human health because it causes ill health and makes existing poor health worse.
“Air pollution contributes towards millions of early deaths every year worldwide and is a major contributor to climate change.
"Government policies helped to improve air quality when they were introduced in the 1970s, and we need to continue to do everything we can now.”
Mackie also warned drivers and local residents to acknowledge the impact poor air quality has on the economy.
He explained how it increases medical costs, reduces productivity and can damage soil, crops, forests, lakes, and rivers.
The expert highlighted how addressing the concerns would require measures to prevent harmful engines from being present in cities.
To be LEZ compliant, petrol cars and vans must adhere to Euro 4 emissions, while Euro 6 is the standard for diesel cars and vans and Euro VI for buses, coaches and HGVs.
Although it comes into force in June, Blue Badge holders are exempt from all Scottish LEZs and should register their details with the exemption system on the national website so that the vehicle they are travelling in can access all the Low Emission Zones in Scotland.
In Aberdeen, the LEZ boundary has already been mapped out with warning signage due to be installed in the next few weeks.
Cameras will also start to be installed in the city centre ahead of the June start date.
The LEZ was originally introduced in Aberdeen almost two years ago with a two-year grace period meaning drivers with a non-compliant vehicle have not been charged between 2022 and June 1, 2024.
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Aberdeen will enforce a £60 fine for entering the LEZ charging area
PAHowever, as that grace period ends, the LEZ means more drivers will need to make a considerable effort to either avoid the zone or switch to a more environmentally-friendly vehicle.
