Edinburgh's Low Emission Zone

What is the Low Emission Zone?

The main aims of Edinburgh's Low Emission Zone (the LEZ) are to reduce harmful emissions, improve air quality, combat climate change, and promote public transport within Edinburgh's city centre.

The LEZ was approved in March 2022 by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Transport and Environment Committee. The LEZ was then officially introduced on 31 May 2022, and after a two-year grace period full enforcement will begin on 1 June 2024.

Full details of the Low Emission Zone can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council's Website:

The City of Edinburgh Council - Low Emission Zone

What area does the LEZ cover?

The LEZ covers a large area of the city centre. The entrances to this area are both signposted and use road markings to show that you are entering the Low-Emission Zone.

You can find a map of the affected area on the City of Edinburgh Council’s Website:

Low Emission Zone - Boundary (City of Edinburgh Council)

Vehicle requirements and readiness

For a vehicle to conform with the LEZ, it must comply with the minimum emissions standards under the Euro rating system. For petrol cars and vans, this is Euro 4 or above, while for diesel vehicles this must be Euro 6. Some vehicles are exempt, such as motorcycles and mopeds, and there are also other special exemptions, for example holders of Blue Badges. Full information can be found on the Low Emission Zones Scotland website, and you can also check if your vehicle is compliant using their online tool:

How LEZs work (lowemissionzones.scot)

Vehicle Checker (lowemissionzones.scot)

Preparing for the LEZ

Our Autumn Travel Survey 2023 showed that only 82% of respondents use a vehicle which will comply with Edinburgh’s LEZ. The University Transport & Parking website has information for those who may wish to seek alternative forms of commuting, such as walking, cycling and public transport: 

Parking & Transport

If you are in a low-income household living within 20 kilometres (12 miles) of the LEZ you may be eligible to apply for a grant of up to £3,000. Find out if you are eligible: Low emission zone – support and funding

There are also Scottish Government initiatives available to help residents switch to electric vehicles. Find out more: Used electric vehicle loan and chargepoint funding (Home Energy Scotland)

Enforcement

The City of Edinburgh Council controls and enforces the LEZ using ANPR cameras. The initial penalty charge for driving a non-compliant vehicle in the LEZ is £60. If you continue to drive the same vehicle in the LEZ within a period of 90 days, you will continue to receive penalty charges with an increased cost each time, rising to £480 or £960 depending on the vehicle type. More information on LEZ penalty charges can be found on the City of Edinburgh Council Website:

Low Emission Zone penalty charges (City of Edinburgh Council)

Please note that while several of the University’s sites are within the new Low-Emission Zone, the University does not have any say on the zone boundaries or penalty charges and cannot help if you receive a penalty charge notice while using a private vehicle.