Residents urged to have their say on Edinburgh LEZ

Residents in Edinburgh are being encouraged to have their say on the upcoming Low Emission Zone (LEZ). 

With less than two weeks left until the consultation ends, the council is seeking people’s views on the proposals. 

Under the LEZ, all motor vehicles, other than mopeds and motorcycles will be required to meet minimum emissions standards in order to enter into the zone freely. 

The council has said they plan to introduce the zone in Spring 2022, with a two-year grace period before enforcement begins to help people adjust to the changes. 

Cllr Lesley Macinnes, transport and environment convener, said: ‘It’s great that so many people have already taken the time to share their views on our proposals. This is a change that could affect anyone coming into the city centre, as well as all those that live here, so I would encourage as many people as possible to take part before the consultation closes.

‘It’s really important that people are able to make informed responses to the consultation, which is why we’ve gathered together some key facts about the scheme, and we hope these will dispel some of the myths about how it would operate.’

Feedback from the consultation will help to inform the finalised plan, which will be brought back to the Transport and Environment Committee in the autumn before the statutory process for introducing the scheme begins.

Joseph Carter, head of Asthma UK and British Lung Foundation Scotland added: ‘Low Emission Zones are a vital step towards improving Scotland’s air quality and people’s lung health.

‘Air pollution causes as many as 2,000 premature deaths in Scotland every year so it is crucial that we take steps to reduce the levels we are exposed to, especially in our busy cities. We encourage everyone to take a moment and have their say to help ensure the Edinburgh LEZ plan is robust and will help to create a world where everyone can breathe clean air with healthy lungs.’

Photo by Connor Mollison