‘No immediate ban’ in new low emissions zones

Secretary says ‘lead-in’ periods will help drivers manage change

Reports that cars and buses would face an immediate ban from Scotland’s new low emissions zones (LEZ) are “misleading”, the environment secretary has told MSPs.

Roseanna Cunningham said “lead-in” periods, starting from the announcement of a zone’s location and running for a time after it was established, would give drivers the chance to manage the change.

In a statement at Holyrood, she said lead-in periods for LEZs in other European locations had run for up to four years. It was suggested Dundee should have an LEZ by 2020.

Scotland’s first LEZ is due to be set up by the end of next year, with the location expected to be announced shortly.

The Scottish Government plans to have zones in place in the four biggest cities by 2020.

The zones, banning the most polluting vehicles, are part of broader proposals to cut emissions and improve air quality.

Ms Cunningham said the decision on locations and design will be led by local authorities. A consultation, running until November 28, is currently seeking views from the public.

The environment secretary said: “Initial media reports suggested the immediate banning of cars and buses in 2018. This of course is inaccurate and misleading.”

Labour and the Greens questioned the minister on the budget for LEZs, while the Conservatives said the proposals did not go far enough.