More than 6,000 fines issued in Edinburgh LEZ

The City of Edinburgh Council has issued 6,030 PCN fines in June in relation to the new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) which came into effect at the beginning of the month.

These were 5,756 Level 1 penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued which is a first time fine of £60, and 274 Level 2 penalties for repeat offenders which is set at £120. There were no fines at a higher level which goes up to £480 for someone who offends four or more times. Although the city centre became an LEZ in 2023 fines were not issued until this year.

This means that the council’s parking attendants issued charges totalling £345,360 for first level fines and £32,880 for second level fines.

Transport and Environment Convener, Cllr Scott Arthur, said: “Whilst our objective is to ultimately see zero non-compliant vehicles enter our LEZ, I’m conscious that this is a process which will take time to fully materialise. I was encouraged to see the relatively low level of second contraventions in the figures alongside none for further levels. This shows clearly that people are getting used to the LEZ and modifying their transport habits accordingly.

“We’ve already seen that public attitudes towards LEZs are improving across Scotland, with a national poll earlier this year indicating that 60% of respondents were in favour of the zones, with just 21% opposed. This is clear evidence that people are seeing the many benefits of LEZs, and how they link in with our wider aims to make our city cleaner, greener and healthier for everyone.

“I’d also reiterate that any revenue that we generate from the LEZ will be reinvested into the running of the zone, with any surplus funds supporting the LEZ’s wider goals.

“These ambitious goals include achieving net zero, accommodating sustainable growth, cutting congestion, and improving air quality, amongst other commitments to create a safer and more people-friendly city. Edinburgh is a city with big ideas for the future and the LEZ forms a key part of these.”

All fines are used to run the LEZ scheme or promote its objectives – to reduce harmful emissions from transport and encourage sustainable travel.

A map of the LEZ is available on the Council’s website along with a registration number checker to find out if a vehicle would comply with the requirements in the zone.