Transport / More than 70 low emission zone fines issued to local vehicles in Aberdeen
MANY Shetland-registered vehicles have fallen foul of Aberdeen’s low emission zone, which is in place near to the exit from the city’s NorthLink ferry terminal.
A total of 72 notices have been issued to vehicles registered with a ZE postcode between 1 June this year, when enforcement began, and 31 October.
Fifty eight of these notices were issued for the minimum fine of £60.
But the penalty doubles if there is a repeat breach, with a cap of £480 for cars and light goods vehicles.
Eight notices were served on ZE-registered vehicles for £120, and three for £240.
Three notices were served on Shetland-registered vehicles for the full whack of £480.
The figures were obtained through a freedom of information request from Shetland News.
A spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council said from general observations the vehicles involved were “typically passenger vehicles, light goods vehicles and heavy goods vehicles”.
Low emissions zones (LEZ) are in place in a number of Scottish cities, and fines are dished out if vehicles which fail to meet emissions criteria are driven in them.
They aim to improve air quality in cities by encouraging the use of greener vehicles.
The LEZ in the Granite City is located to the immediate right of the junction from the NorthLink ferry terminal and covers the main part of the city centre.
Generally petrol vehicles registered from 2006 onwards and diesel ones registered after September 2015 will meet the required standards.
There are exemptions, including blue badge holders.
Although the minimum fine is £60, it is reduced by 50 per cent if it is paid within 14 days.
The LEZ was technically introduced in Aberdeen in 2022 with a two year ‘grace’ period imposed through to June 2024.
People can enter their vehicle registration number on the website for Scotland’s Low Emission Zones to confirm if their vehicle will comply.
Other classes of vehicle which are exempt from the LEZ include emergency services, naval, military or air force vehicles, historic vehicles and motorbikes and mopeds.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -
- Remove non-local ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
