Edinburgh Low Emission Zone
Introduction
A Low Emission Zone (or LEZ) is an area designed to stop the most polluting vehicles from entering with a view to improving air quality and protecting public health.
Should a vehicle that enters the zone not meet the minimum emission standard then a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) would be issued at a rate of £60 which is reduced to £30 if payment is made within 14 days.
The penalty rate doubles with each subsequent breach within the same zone up to a maximum of £480 for cars and light goods vehicles and £960 for minibuses, buses, coaches and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). Motorbikes and mopeds are excluded from LEZ schemes and no restrictions will apply.
In England, such areas are referred to as Clean Air Zones (or CAZ) and non-compliant vehicles are permitted to enter such zones but must pay a daily charge for each day they travel within a zone.
Vehicle Details
Penalty Charges will apply for the following vehicle types if they do not meet the minimum emission standard required.
Check Your Vehicle
Charges Apply
Penalty Charges
The intial penalty for a non-compliant vehicle is £60 which is reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days.
The penalty amount doubles with each subsequent breach of the rules within the same zone.
The penalty amount is capped at £480 for cars and light goods vehicles and £960 for minibuses, buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles.
Where there are no further breaches of the rules within 90 days following a previous violation, the rate is reset to the base charge of £60.
Penalty Notices will be issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle by the enforcing local authority and will provide details of how to make payment or to appeal a charge.
More Information
Map of Charging Zone
Exemptions
National
You're automatically entitled to a national exemption and do not have to pay a charge, if you have:
- A disabled tax class vehicle
- An Emergency Service vehicle
- A military vehicle
- A vehicle of historic interest
Exemptions are available for the following vehicles and users but you will need to apply to the relevant local authority in advance of your travel:
- Blue badge holders
- Showman vehicles
Local
Edinburgh Council may grant local temporary (‘time-limited’) exemptions for a vehicle or type of vehicle for up to one year on a case-by-case basis, in exceptional circumstances and considering the impacts identified in relation to the LEZ objectives.
Complete this form to apply for a local exemption.
Personal vehicles may not apply for local exemptions.
