Latest news with #LowEmissionZone
Scotsman
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Edinburgh's LEZ one year on: More walking and cycling, less pollution and fewer fines
More people are walking, cycling and using public transport since the introduction of Edinburgh's Low Emission Zone, new research claims. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... And a year on, air quality monitoring shows reduced pollution levels and the city council says the number of fines handed out to vehicles which fail to meet the zone's emission standards has fallen. Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee began enforcing the LEZ standards 12 months ago, a year after Glasgow. Edinburgh's LEZ is one year old | supplied Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Research by the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) looked at whether people in the Capital had changed their commuting behaviour in the first six months of enforcement. The study report said: 'Results suggested a small, but statistically significant, shift towards active travel and public transport within the LEZ, with a decrease in private vehicle use. 'We found evidence that active travel and public transport use increased following enforcement of the Edinburgh LEZ.' And the council said the total number of fines issued for breaches of the LEZ - which covers a 1.2 square mile area of the city centre - decreased by 56 per cent between June 2024 and January 2025 alone. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It said the vast majority of vehicles entering the LEZ - over 95 per cent - were compliant, with around another 3 per cent in exempted classes. Transport and environment convener Stephen Jenkinson said: "I'm proud that alongside Aberdeen, Dundee, and Glasgow we took the bold step of implementing and enforcing a LEZ. We're sending a clear message that our major cities are united in pursuing a better future for all. Fundamentally, the LEZs are about making our cities healthier for everyone. "As Scotland's capital city, we have a duty to lead on the response to the climate and nature emergencies which will define our country for generations to come. Multiple studies show that even low levels of pollution can have an impact on our health. Road traffic is one of the main sources of harmful emissions that are damaging people's health and contributing to climate change, so we have a real responsibility to tackle this. 'The average decrease in penalty charge notices (PCNs) here in Edinburgh show that people are getting used to the LEZ and modifying their habits accordingly. It's also encouraging to see studies showing a positive shift towards greater use of active travel and public transport. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The LEZ is one important tool to help us achieve our ambitious climate goals, including net zero emissions by 2030.' Joseph Carter, head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, said: 'We are pleased that Edinburgh along with Dundee and Aberdeen made the bold move a year ago to ban the most polluting cars from their city and it is a step in the right direction to help improve the air that we all breathe. 'With air pollution cutting short thousands of lives a year, we want to see our cities become far healthier places, where people can walk and cycle and not be forced to breathe in dirty air. 'With 1 in 5 people in Scotland developing a lung condition like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in their lifetime, for them, air pollution can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks and flare-ups. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Children are more susceptible to air pollution as their lungs are still growing, and they also breathe faster than adults. As they grow, toxic air can stunt the growth of their lungs, making them less resilient into adulthood and placing them at greater risk of lung disease in the future.' And Flora Ogilvie, consultant in public health at NHS Lothian, said: 'It's great to know that the LEZ enforcement has been in place for a year, helping to improve air quality in the city and protect the health of our most vulnerable residents. Improving air quality and reducing traffic levels are also an important way of encouraging more people to travel by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport. 'Travelling sustainably can help improve individual physical activity levels and mental wellbeing, as well as supporting better environmental health for the whole population and planet.'
Metro
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Metro
London's congestion charge set to rise - here's how much it could cost you
Drivers could soon face a higher congestion charge in central London after plans to increase it were revealed. Driving in central London is far from enjoyable – and it could soon be more expensive after TfL proposed to hike up the daily charge to £18. There are also plans to limit the residents' discount to electric vehicles only. The move is designed to crackdown on traffic congestion and incentivise electric car uptake to promote sustainable travel. Here is everything you need to know about the increase and when it will kick in. The proposed rise would increase the daily fee from £15 to £18. This is not the first time the charge has changed. The first rise was in June 2020, when the charge went up from the original £11.50. Another big change in the pipeline is who could get the residents' discount. From March 2027, the residents' discount would be available to new applicants only if they have an electric vehicle. Currently, residents get a 90% congestion charge discount, regardless of whether they drive petrol or electric. If approved, the daily charge could increase within months. Drivers should brace for the 20% rise from January 2, 2026. Coupled with the ULEZ charge, some drivers might face more than £30 in daily fees after the proposed increase. Currently, the charge is £15 if paid in advance or on the same day. If paid by midnight of the third day since travel, it is £17.50. Under the proposal, the later payment on the third day would increase to £21. The penalty for not being within 48 hours is £180. At the moment, EV drivers do not have to pay any congestion or emission charges in London. However, this is about to change from January too, when electric car drivers will have to shell out £13.50 each day, and HGVs, vans and motorbikes have to pay £9. The congestion charge is different from the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) or the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charges. The congestion charge aims to cut down traffic, while the emission zone charges drive down air pollution in the capital. They are separate charges, so some drivers might have to pay them all if their vehicle does not meet emission standards. The ULEZ, LEZ and DVS charges operate in the same area as the Congestion Charge. Congestion Charge (CC) : Operates between 7am-6pm during weekdays and 12pm-6pm on weekends and bank holidays in central London. There is no charge between Christmas Day andNew Year's Day bank holiday : Operates between 7am-6pm during weekdays and 12pm-6pm on weekends and bank holidays in central London. There is no charge between Christmas Day andNew Year's Day bank holiday ULEZ : The Ultra Low Emission Zone operates 24 hours a day, every day except on Christmas Day : The Ultra Low Emission Zone operates 24 hours a day, every day except on Christmas Day LEZ : The Low Emission Zone operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year : The Low Emission Zone operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charges : The tunnel charge applies to each crossing between 6am and 10pm every day of the year except Christmas Day : The tunnel charge applies to each crossing between 6am and 10pm every day of the year except Christmas Day Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for lorries: Applies to lorries over 12 tonnes at all times Around 2,200 extra vehicles could clog up London roads if the changes are not made, TfL said. Congestion cost London an estimated £3.85 billion – or £942 per driver – last year and made London Europe's most gridlocked city, a study by traffic analyst Inrix said. Seb Dance, the deputy mayor for transport, said: 'The congestion charge has been a huge success since its introduction, but we must ensure it is fit for purpose. 'Sticking to the status quo would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year. 'At the same time we must support Londoners and businesses to use greener and more sustainable travel. That's why I'm pleased we're proposing that substantial incentives remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles.' People can have their say in the congestion charge consultation until August 4. The ULEZ charge – currently £12.50 a day – will not change. Drivers have to pay ULEZ, which applies in the entire Greater London, if their car does not meet the emission standards. More Trending Generally, most modern vehicles – like cars registered after 2006 – tend to meet these standards. ULEZ has cut roadside nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations by 54% in central London and 24% in outer London since it launched in 2019, TfL said. The first version of the charge started in central London on February 17, 2003. Initially, the fee was £5, doubling to £10 by 2011. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Thames Water given largest-ever £123,000,000 fine over sewage pumping MORE: The UK's best restaurant has been crowned and it sells 'superb' £10 sandwiches MORE: London nightclub bouncer accused of rape 'used fake ID' to get job
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New study reveals unexpected side effects of London's clean air policies: 'Making the case for ... initiatives stronger than ever'
Londoners are breathing easier, according to new research from the University of Bath. The study, published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, revealed that Greater London's clean air regulations are not only helping clear the air but also improving public health and saving the city money. London implemented the Low Emission Zone in 2008 and the Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2019. After analyzing more than a decade's worth of data, researchers discovered these clean air zones had slashed the amount of harmful pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, in the areas. In that time, Greater London had 18.5% fewer employees take sick leave, with residents also reporting they were happier, less anxious, and enjoying their lives more. Respiratory illnesses were down just over 10%, and there was a nearly 7% decline in health problems. Thanks to these improvements, the zones are estimated to be saving the city over £37 million each year in public health costs. And not only does the policy improve public health, but reduced air pollution can also help slow down rising global temperatures fueled by the reliance on dirty energy, which are contributing to more extreme weather events such as wildfires and droughts. "These policies are not just environmental wins," said professor Eleonora Fichera of the Department of Economics. "They're also reducing labor market absenteeism and improving Londoners' life satisfaction. Clean air makes for healthier, happier, more productive communities." With so many concerning headlines linking pollution to unhealthy and unhappy communities, this is evidence that policy changes can make a big difference. Many studies have found smart city planning, such as expanding green spaces and making neighborhoods more walkable, can boost community health. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution leads to over 4 million premature deaths each year around the world. These findings offer a compelling case for rolling out similar policies globally, especially in cities with dense populations. "Clean air policy is smart policy," lead researcher Habtamu Beshir added. "It protects health, saves money, and enhances quality of life — making the case for clean air initiatives stronger than ever." Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Scotsman
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Edinburgh Low Emission Zone: Council says its remaining non-compliant vehicles will soon be replaced
Edinburgh council chiefs say they will soon have replaced all vehicles in their fleet which do not meet the emission standards of the city's Low Emission Zone. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... When the LEZ was introduced last year, the council had to admit it had 41 non-compliant vehicles despite a two-year grace period intended to allow people to prepare for the new restrictions. It meant the non-compliant vehicles could not enter the LEZ and the authority was forced to hire temporary replacements at a cost so far of £302,000. The LEZ in Edinburgh has been enforced from June 1 | Scott Louden Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But now permanent replacement vehicles which do comply with LEZ requirements have been acquired for all but nine of the vehicles involved. And the council is awaiting delivery of replacements for those nine. Transport convener Stephen Jenkinson said: 'When we began the LEZ enforcement in June last year there were 41 non-compliant vehicles which weren't able to go into the LEZ - that's around 3.5 per cent of the council's fleet. "These were specialist vehicle, like trucks with lifting equipment and accessible buses, and the lead time to replace these specialist vehicles is longer than a normal council van." He said there were now 32 replacement vehicles in service and just nine hire vehicles still being used. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There are also 22 non-compliant vehicles which do remain in active service, but the nature of the roles they perform means they don't require to go into the LEZ. It is fully expected these remaining vehicles will be replaced this financial year, so we will then have no non-compliant vehicles.'
Edinburgh Reporter
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Edinburgh Reporter
Council reduces number of vehicles hired to enter LEZ
When The City of Edinburgh Council set up the Low Emission Zone in June 2024, a number of council-owned vehicles did not comply with the new regulations. The 41 vehicles, which amounted to 3.5% of the council fleet, and which for example included buses fitted with special lifts for those in wheelchairs, had to be replaced with hired vehicles. The council now says that replacement vehicles have been ordered to replace all 41, but that the specialist nature of the vehicles meant that it would take a longer time to obtain delivery as they were made to order. The council has managed to replace 32 of the vehicles with only 9 left which are still on hire. In addition to this group there are 22 other vehicles which do not comply with the LEZ requirements, but which do not require to access the city centre. The Transport Convener said this morning that it is the council's intention to make their entire fleet compliant within the financial year. Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener, said:'Later on this year, I'll be pleased to report that The City of Edinburgh Council's entire fleet is compliant with the LEZ.' The council was asked to supply the cost of hiring vehicles to comply with the LEZ restrictions during the last year. The total cost for the period from 1 August 2024 to date is £308,232. The LEZ came into effect on 1 June 2024. Enforcement of the LEZ in Edinburgh began in June 2024 PHOTO ©2023 The Edinburgh Reporter Like this: Like Related
