Despite the LEZ being introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022, a two-year grace period was put in place, meaning no penalty charges were issued until enforcement began on 01 June 2024. Thus, the figures released by the council showed some 6,030 PCNs were issued for the month of June. This is broken down as 5,756 level 1 penalties (first contravention) and 274 level 2 penalties (second contravention). There were no penalties issued for further levels.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s transport and environment convener, councillor 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 that 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.” According to the council, 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 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,” said Arthur. Edinburgh’s transport and environment convener added that any revenue generated from the LEZ will be reinvested into the running of the zone, with any surplus funds supporting the LEZ’s wider goals, which are primarily to reduce harmful emissions from transport and encourage sustainable travel. “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,” said Arthur.

“Edinburgh is a city with big ideas for the future and the LEZ forms a key part of these.” The LEZ also forms part of Edinburgh’s y’s 2030 Climate Strategy and other initiatives such as the City Mobility Plan and 2050 Edinburgh City Vision. It is anticipated that the LEZ will significantly reduce emissions of nitrogen dioxide from vehicles, thereby improving public health. In addition to Edinburgh, LEZs have also been formally introduced in Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen.