Edinburgh drivers warned they could face fines of up to £480 amid new driving rules

Edinburgh car owners are being hit with warnings about the potential for costly fines.

New rules for cleaner air mean drivers could be landed with heavy penalties if they break emission zone rules. Those who enter the Scottish LEZ in non-compliant vehicles could face initial fines of £60.

This charge will double after each subsequent breach, up to a cap of £480 for cars and light goods vehicles. Heavier vehicles, like buses, coaches and HGVs could potentially be subject to the maximum fine of £980.

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Edinburgh's Low Emission Zone is set for a June 1 launch, the same date as enforcement begins for residential properties in Glasgow. In contrast, Aberdeen's scheme will kick off at the start of June, whilst Dundee's implementation will not begin until May 30, 2024.

A representative from Glasgow City Council has revealed: "Scottish LEZs operate by way of a penalty system, set in legislation to discourage non-compliant vehicle entry and to maximise the air quality benefits that can be delivered.", reports the Daily Record.

Despite this, Birmingham Live reports that two assistance strategies to help offset the costs of retrofitting or replacing vehicles are currently underway. For those living within a 20km radius of a low emissions zone, The Energy Saving Trust is offering sums of up to £3,000 towards ensuring their vehicles are compliant.

Transport Scotland is backing the trust's initiative to offer grants of £2,000 for sole traders and micro businesses to retire their older, more polluting vehicles. Those who qualify may also receive an additional £1,000 towards buying a purpose-built cargo or electric cargo bike.

The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) entry criteria will be determined by the Euro emission engine classification standards, which are recognised both nationally and internationally. The minimum requirements include Euro 4 for petrol cars and vans - typically those registered from 2006, and Euro 6 for diesel cars and vans - generally those registered from September 2015.

This extends to Euro 6 for petrol and diesel taxis and private hire vehicles, as per standard licence conditions, as outlined in the Taxi Emission Standards Policy (2021), and Euro VI for buses, coaches and HGVs - usually vehicles registered from January 2013.

Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) must be paid within 28 days from the date they were issued. If not paid within this period, a charge certificate will be issued, increasing the PCN penalty charge by 50%.

If the increased charge is not paid within 14 days, the charge certificate and PCNs can be recovered as an enforceable debt.