One million UK drivers face £480 fines in new 'crackdown' starting June 1

Scotland has been warned one million drivers could face huge fines from strict new Low Emission Zones launching within weeks. Low Emission Zones (LEZs) have been introduced in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.

LEZs set an environmental limit on certain road spaces, restricting access for the most polluting vehicles so as to improve air quality. Improving air quality in our cities makes them even more attractive places to live, work, shop and spend leisure time in.burgh and Glasgow.

Under the 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.

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A spokesperson for the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce said: “People in Aberdeen are already taking time to adjust to the new bus gates around Union Street. It would make sense to review the impact of these measures first, before further crackdowns on motorists are enforced.”

A spokesman for Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said: “The hospitality industry has been through an extraordinarily difficult time and is still suffering and fragile in its recovery, and the LEZ must not create additional difficulties.”

In Dundee, enforcement begins from 30 May 2024 and in Aberdeen e nforcement begins from 1 June 2024. In Edinburgh e nforcement begins from 1 June 2024. If a driver enters a Scottish Low Emission Zone with a non-compliant vehicle, they will be issued an initial fine of £60.

If a vehicle re-enters the LEZ within 90 days of its last breach, the penalty charge will double. Fines will continue to double until reaching a maximum of £480 for cars and light goods vehicles and £960 for buses and HGVs.

If a non-compliant driver does not enter the LEZ for 90 days after their last breach, any future fines return to £60.